Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis currently affects almost 1.5 million Americans. It’s one of the most debilitating forms of the disease when untreated, so the earlier you seek symptom relief, the better you’re able to live a full and active life. At Rheumatology East, which has locations in Germantown and Jackson, Tennessee, board-certified rheumatologist Bradley Postlethwaite, MD, offers the most effective rheumatoid arthritis treatments. To seek treatment for RA, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of autoimmune arthritis. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system malfunctions and ambushes healthy joints. This causes swelling, stiffness, and pain. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause severe joint damage and disability. 

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis usually causes symptoms in the lining within your smaller joints, particularly in your hands, wrists, and knees. Common symptoms include:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Joint swelling
• Skin sensitivity around the affected joints
• Unexpected weight loss
• Fever
• Exhaustion
• Poor energy

Usually, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms occur symmetrically. So, usually, both of your wrists, hands, or knees hurt at the same time. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms aren’t constant. They happen in flares and then abate during remissions.

Why do I need to see a specialist for rheumatoid arthritis care?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a complicated disease that can affect everyone in a different way. It often happens alongside other conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, which makes treatment even more complex. 

Because it's such a challenging disease to diagnose and manage, you need a medical care team that specializes in rheumatology. Dr. Postlethwaite has advanced specialized training in musculoskeletal disease and autoimmune conditions affecting your bones, joints, and muscles. 

Only rheumatology specialists like Dr. Postlethwaite have an in-depth understanding of how rheumatoid arthritis affects your body, how to slow progression, and how to reduce disease activity in your body. 

How do you treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment at Rheumatology East offers all of the most effective solutions in one convenient location. The team typically uses an integrative treatment approach that focuses on your whole-body healing. 

Your treatment may include natural therapies, cutting-edge new treatments, or both, based on what you need. Some of the many treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Oral medication
• Physical therapy
• Infusions
• Psychotherapy

At Rheumatology East, your rheumatoid arthritis treatment is a team effort. You work with Dr. Postlethwaite to learn the most effective ways to manage your disease. 

With optimal treatment, you can slow rheumatoid arthritis progression and reduce the disease activity within your body. It’s very possible to reduce the frequency and intensity of your flare-ups, which allows you to preserve a happy, active, and well-rounded life. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is very manageable if you get the right help. Call Rheumatology East or request an appointment online today.