Arthritis Treatment
Best Arthritis Treatment in Miami
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that can manifest at any stage of life, although it is most commonly observed in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50. However, when RA emerges later, typically between the ages of 60 and 65, it is referred to as elderly-onset RA or late-onset RA. This elderly-onset form presents unique challenges in terms of treatment.
While RA becomes more prevalent with advancing age, it’s crucial to understand that people who develop RA in their later years represent only a portion of those affected by the disease, comprising roughly one-third of all cases.
Rheumatoid arthritis differs from osteoarthritis in its nature, as it primarily affects the synovial lining of the joints, resulting in painful swelling that can ultimately lead to bone erosion and joint deformities.
The inflammation associated with RA is not confined to the joints alone; it can also damage other parts of the body. Despite significant advancements in medication options, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still give rise to physical disabilities. This underlines the importance of early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategies, regardless of the age at which the disease manifests, as the impact of RA can be profound and necessitates specialized care.
At Rheumwell, we are wholly committed to providing dedicated support to individuals seeking arthritis treatment in Miami. Our team of expert rheumatologists possesses the experience and expertise required to accurately diagnose and effectively treat a wide spectrum of rheumatic diseases. These conditions can manifest in symptoms impacting various facets of health, including the eyes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs. Our local rheumatologists near you are readily available to assist you in understanding your unique symptoms and crafting a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis, often abbreviated as RA, is a complex autoimmune and inflammatory disease that sets the immune system on a misguided path, leading it to mistakenly target and attack healthy cells within the body. This unwarranted assault triggers inflammation, resulting in painful and swollen areas within the affected regions of the body.
Primarily, RA takes aim at the joints, typically impacting multiple joints simultaneously. Frequently targeted areas include the hands, wrists, and knees, where the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing harm to joint tissues. This tissue damage can lead to:
- Persistent and chronic pain
- Instability in terms of balance
- Physical deformities
Beyond joint involvement, RA can extend its reach to affect other tissues throughout the body, potentially leading to complications in vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.
The far-reaching consequences of RA highlight the importance of early diagnosis and effective management to mitigate the long-term impact of this autoimmune condition. At Rheumwell, our unwavering commitment lies in providing dedicated support to individuals battling rheumatoid arthritis, helping them find relief from the debilitating symptoms of this autoimmune condition. Our experienced team of specialists near you is dedicated to tailoring effective treatment strategies that enhance the quality of life for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Common Signs & Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by a fluctuating pattern of symptoms, alternating between periods of exacerbation, known as flares, and phases of relief, referred to as remission. The signs and symptoms of RA encompass a range of distressing experiences, including:
- Pain or aching in multiple joints, along with persistent stiffness and tenderness.
- Swelling is a common companion to this type of joint pain, typically affecting more than one joint. We offer various joint pain treatment options to improve joint pain and increase movement.
What distinguishes RA is its tendency to affect symmetrical joints on both sides of the body, often mirrored in both hands or both knees. Alongside joint-related discomfort, individuals with RA may also encounter:
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Pervasive sense of weakness
Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to managing the challenges associated with these diverse symptoms, and our team at Rheumwell is dedicated to providing the guidance and care needed to ease the burden of RA. If you find yourself experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to recognize that early arthritis treatment is available and highly beneficial. At Rheumwell, we are unwavering in our dedication to prompt action when it comes to diagnosing and treating arthritis, ensuring that individuals receive the care and support they need to manage the condition effectively and improve their quality of life. We also have psoriatic arthritis treatment available at our office.
Arthritis Treatment In Miami - What We Offer
IV Infusion Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments
At Rheumwell, we offer infusion treatments as a vital component of our comprehensive approach to rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Miami. These rheumatoid arthritis infusion treatments provide an effective means to manage the condition, with treatment regimens designed to gradually reduce the frequency of doses as patients respond positively to therapy.
Four drugs have been developed and are available for rheumatoid arthritis treatment via infusions.
- Abatacept – This infusion treatment inhibits inflammatory cell activity, is administered initially every two weeks, later transitioning to a monthly schedule, with each infusion lasting about 30 minutes.
- Infliximab – This infusion is a TNF-inhibitor, requires three infusions in the first 6 weeks, followed by doses every 8 weeks, and improvement can often be observed after a few doses.
- Rituximab – Rituximab is a B-cell inhibitor, involves two infusions spaced 2 weeks apart, with effects typically noticeable after about 3 months, lasting up to a year.
- Tocilizumab – This targets the inflammatory protein IL-6, and is administered once every 4 weeks, with each infusion taking approximately an hour.
These infusion therapies are tailored to individual patient needs, offering an effective means of managing rheumatoid arthritis while enhancing overall quality of life. A Miami arthritis doctor near you from our team will create a specialized infusion treatment plan that tackles all signs and symptoms of RA, as well as one that alleviates pain and discomfort.
Inflammatory Medications
For our comprehensive rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Miami, we utilize a range of prescription medications to effectively manage the condition. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) play a fundamental role in alleviating the chronic pain, inflammation, and swelling that are hallmark symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. While NSAIDs do not slow down the progression of the disease, they serve as valuable tools in pain management. In conjunction with NSAIDs, most individuals with rheumatoid arthritis also incorporate other medications into their treatment regimen. These may include drugs like methotrexate or biologics, which are specifically designed to help prevent further joint damage.
Historically, aspirin held a prominent place among NSAIDs, but its high gastrointestinal toxicity, a narrow therapeutic window between toxicity and anti-inflammatory serum levels, and the inconvenience of multiple daily doses have led to its replacement by more advanced NSAIDs. There is a diverse selection of NSAIDs available, both over-the-counter and prescription, with prescription options such as:
- Meloxicam (Mobic®)
- Etodolac (Lodine®)
- Nabumetone (Relafen®)
- Sulindac (Clinoril®)
- Tolmetin (Tolectin®)
- Choline magnesium salicylate (Trilasate®)
- Diclofenac (Cataflam®, Voltaren®, Arthrotec®)
While these NSAIDs are generally equally effective at full dosages and share similar toxicities, individual responses and tolerances may vary. Contacting a rheumatoid arthritis doctor in Miami at Rheumwell will allow for a more personalized approach to rheumatoid arthritis treatment.
Physical Therapy For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that profoundly affects the delicate synovial lining of the body’s joints, making mobility a challenging endeavor. It’s vital to approach exercise and movement with care, as overexertion or forcing a joint beyond its available range of motion can exacerbate RA symptoms.
In instances where the joints in your legs or feet are afflicted, even basic activities such as standing, walking, and climbing stairs can become particularly discomforting. This is where physical therapy emerges as a valuable treatment option. Our Florida arthritis doctors and physical therapists near you are skilled in developing tailored exercise regimens that prioritize:
- Building strength
- Increasing flexibility
- Enhancing aerobic capacity
- Taking into account your unique limitations
Additionally, we can introduce techniques aimed at conserving energy during daily tasks, thereby mitigating pain and discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis. This multifaceted approach makes physical therapy an essential tool in helping individuals better manage and improve their quality of life while dealing with this chronic condition.
Contact An Arthritis Doctor Near You In Miami Today!
When seeking the expertise of an arthritis doctor in Miami for rheumatoid arthritis treatment, Rheumwell stands out as the ideal choice. Our rheumatoid arthritis doctors in Miami bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, enabling them to diagnose and treat a wide range of rheumatic diseases comprehensively.
These conditions often manifest with symptoms that can impact the eyes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs, necessitating a specialized approach. An arthritis doctor in Miami at Rheumwell will work closely with you to interpret your unique symptoms and craft a personalized treatment plan that precisely addresses your condition. Additionally, our skilled nurses are well-versed in the use of infusion therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, delivering comprehensive care within our office.
Whether you’re grappling with persistent muscle or joint pain or enduring swelling that refuses to subside, our Florida arthritis doctors are here to help. With an unwavering commitment to controlling inflammation, improving joint health, enhancing pain and mobility, and offering an integrative approach to care, Rheumwell is your trusted partner in managing rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. Contact us today to learn more about our rheumatoid arthritis treatments.
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