Although not as common as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can severely affect joint health and lead to joint deformities and debilitation. The experienced team at Source Healthcare in Santa Monica, California specializes in the management of rheumatoid arthritis Los Angeles patients can count on. We can devise a plan that reduces your discomfort and improves your quality of life. For a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Improve Your Quality of Life, Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that develops when your immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation and pain. Over time, the inflammation may lead to erosion of your joint and joint deformity.
Researchers are not entirely certain why some people are more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis than others, but they theorize there may be a genetic component that gets triggered by an environmental factor.
You may be at risk of developing the painful arthritic condition if it runs in your family, if you are a smoker, if you are obese, or if you have been exposed to asbestos or silica. Rheumatoid arthritis also tends to affect women more often than men.
What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
During the early stages of the disease, rheumatoid arthritis often affects your smaller joints and then progresses to your larger joints. Your symptoms may include swelling, pain, and tenderness.
The joint may also feel warm to the touch. In addition to joint pain, you may feel more fatigued and have a poor appetite. If you are experiencing symptoms you can schedule an examination for rheumatoid arthritis at Source Healthcare.
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How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
There is no single blood test for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, and it can be difficult to diagnose during the early stages.
In addition to a review of your symptoms and a physical exam, you may need additional diagnostic testing to rule out other causes of your symptoms such as specialized blood tests, X-rays, and/or MRIs. Our Los Angeles clinic is set up to take you through the whole process from diagnosis to treatment & recovery.
Rheumatoid Arthritis in Women: What to Look Out For
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) tends to affect women more often than men, with women being two to three times more likely to develop this autoimmune condition. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menopause, or certain hormonal treatments, may influence the onset or progression of RA in women.
These are some of the most common signs and symptoms of RA in women:
- Persistent joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling and tenderness in smaller joints like fingers and wrists
- Fatigue and low energy levels throughout the day
- Redness or warmth around affected joints
- Loss of appetite or unintended weight loss
- Difficulty with daily tasks due to joint discomfort
- Symmetrical joint pain affecting both sides of the body equally
- Occasional low-grade fever or flu-like symptoms
- Weakness or reduced grip strength in hands
If you’re a woman experiencing persistent joint pain or unexplained symptoms, consider scheduling a consultation at Source Healthcare. Our team specializes in diagnosing and creating tailored care plans to address the unique needs of women living with RA.
What is the Treatment for
Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Currently, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but, with advances in medical treatment, you can go into remission. For management of your rheumatoid arthritis in Los Angeles, the team at Source Healthcare may recommend:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Steroids
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Biologics
You may also benefit from physical and/or occupational therapy to improve joint health, function, and quality of life. If you fail to get relief from your symptoms with conservative treatments or your joint condition worsens, then you may be a candidate for surgery.
The team at Source Healthcare may also offer stem cell therapy as a treatment option for your rheumatoid arthritis. These treatments can help repair the joint damage. Stem cell therapy is a very new and promising treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in Los Angeles.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect your quality of life, but, with the right treatment, you can successfully manage this chronic disease. Call Source Healthcare or schedule a consultation online today to get started.
Holistic Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Santa Monica
At Source Healthcare, we recognize the importance of treating rheumatoid arthritis not just with medications but through a holistic approach that addresses the entire body. In addition to conventional treatments like DMARDs, biologics, and NSAIDs, we emphasize the value of complementary therapies and lifestyle modifications to improve long-term outcomes.
Holistic treatments for RA may include:
- Dietary changes: To support overall joint health, consume anti-inflammatory foods such as fatty fish, leafy greens, and turmeric.
- Exercise and movement therapy: Gentle activities like yoga, tai chi, or swimming can improve joint flexibility and strength and reduce stiffness.
- Stress management: Techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or therapy can help reduce stress-related inflammation and improve mental well-being.
- Supplementation: Consultation-based use of supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D for their anti-inflammatory and bone-strengthening benefits.
- Regenerative medicine: Innovative therapies like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may aid in repairing joint damage and reducing inflammation.
By integrating these holistic options into your care plan, we aim to enhance your quality of life and help you better manage the chronic symptoms of RA. Contact us today to explore a treatment approach tailored to your individual needs.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQs
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis an autoimmune disease?
Yes, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage.
What are the risk factors for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Risk factors for RA include genetics, smoking, gender (more common in women), environmental factors, and health concerns, like infections or hormonal changes.
What is the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?
RA is an autoimmune disease, while Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition. RA affects multiple joints symmetrically and involves inflammation, while OA is wear-and-tear related and affects specific joints.
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis affect organs other than the joints?
Yes, RA can impact organs like the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin. Systemic inflammation associated with RA may lead to complications beyond joint problems.
How does diet and lifestyle affect Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms?
Maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can help manage symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in Los Angeles. Some anti-inflammatory foods may also provide relief, but please consult our healthcare provider for personalized advice based on your symptoms and condition.
