Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease mainly affecting the small joints in the hands/wrists and feet, but can also affect other joints as well except for the lumbo-sacral spine and the DIPs (joints closest to the nails in the hands). Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include swelling, and pain in the joints, stiffness that may be worse in the morning and may improve with activity during the day. The pattern of symptoms is usually symmetric (both sides of the body joints are affected), and occurs over weeks. In time, RA may cause destruction of the joints leading to pain and immobility. While the joints are the most common location where symptoms occur, patients may have involvement of other locations such as the lungs, heart and skin.

Development of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The development of RA may occur after an environmental trigger (such as a virus/infection, smoking, stress) in a genetically susceptible individual. The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on a detailed history and exam evaluating the type (inflammatory versus non inflammatory), pattern and location of joint involvement, lab tests, inflammation markers in the blood (acute phase reactants) and duration of symptoms (usually >/ 6 weeks).

Treatments Plans for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment goals in patients with rheumatoid arthritis include alleviating symptoms, minimizing joint damage by controlling inflammation and improving quality of life. There are many medications available called disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in oral/injection or intravenous formulations that may help to reach these treatment goals. A healthy lifestyle is also important in the treatment of RA. Dr. Jain understands how pain and restriction in mobility can affect many different aspects of an individual’s life. She uses a thorough, careful and individualized approach in the diagnosis and treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Jain, a rheumatoid arthritis specialist with over 10 years of experience treating patients in the Westchester County, Rockland County, and Greenwich, CT area.

Interested in learning more about rheumatoid arthritis? Click to read "The Effect of the Mediterranean Diet on Rheumatoid Arthritis."

Read about other rheumatic diseases that Dr. Jain specializes in: