Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory arthritis condition in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, often the lining of the joints. The symptoms can include painful swelling in the hands, feet, hips, spine and shoulders, which can result in bone erosion and joint deformity. RA is most commonly diagnosed in women over 40. Early symptoms include swollen joints, stiffness, and firm bumps under the skin that are known as rheumatoid modules. It often starts in smaller joints like the fingers and hands before progressing to larger joints like the hips and shoulders.  Medications and physical therapy can reduce pain and help prevent your symptoms from worsening. There is no cure for RA, but surgical options including total joint replacement can help alleviate pain and improve joint functionality.