Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Specialist in DFW, Frisco, Mesquite, and Sunnydale, TX

Rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone in different capacities, progressing slowly in some and rapidly in others. Symptoms may flare up and then dissipate for a while before the cycle repeats itself.  

The key to treating rheumatoid arthritis is early detection, which is why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms that lead up to it. This includes:

• Fatigue.
• Fever.
• Pain and stiffness in more than one joint.
• Pain in the joints on both sides of the body.
• Sensitivity in the joints.
• Stiffness after sleeping or low-activity periods.
• Swelling and inflammation in more than one joint.
• Weakness.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms on a more consistent basis, or you notice they’re worsening over time, it’s time to book in to see your pain management specialist. While rheumatoid arthritis can’t be cured, there are ways to manage the symptoms and to help prevent it from worsening. 

There are four stages of rheumatoid arthritis, with each stage carrying its own set of characteristics and symptoms. They are:

Stage 1. This is the earliest stage, characterized by the inflammation of the joint lining. There is no bone or tissue damage, but the tissue around the area begins to swell, leading to some joint discomfort and pain.

Stage 2. In this stage, inflammation begins damaging the cartilage surrounding your bones. Joints become stiff and mobility in the area is affected.

Stage 3. The severity increases significantly in this stage, with inflammation significantly wearing away cartilage. Bone erosion near the joint begins to occur and the joints themselves may start to become unstable. Bone deformities, pain, swelling, and increased loss of motion characterize this stage. 

Stage 4. This is known as the end stage, where inflammation stops but the damage continues. The joint may entirely stop working and you’ll have near-constant pain, swelling, and stiffness. Your motion will be severely hindered or lost in the affected area and you may experience muscle weakness.

There is no one specific trigger that causes rheumatoid arthritis to develop. The exact cause is unknown, with initial research suggesting that it may be linked to genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. There is also research to suggest that an infection, lifestyle choices (such as smoking), and continual physical and/or emotional stress may trigger a response in the body.

You are also more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis if you have a close biological relative who has it, if you’re a woman, if you’re overweight, and if you smoke. These are only risk factors, however, and do not guarantee that you’ll develop the disease. 

There are various ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis and your doctor will personalize your treatment plan based on your unique needs, the severity of your condition and symptoms, and your overall health and wellness. While there is no cure for the disease, there are ways to successfully manage your pain and discomfort and slow down its progression.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis may include one or more of the following:

• Prescription medications.
• Physical therapy.
• Occupational therapy.
• Surgery. 

Surgery is often the last resort, prescribed only when other methods of treatment aren’t working or aren’t providing significant enough results. Surgery may include repairing or replacing the joint(s) entirely, which can help restore stability and function to deteriorated areas. 

If you’re struggling with rheumatoid arthritis and would like to go over potential treatment options, visit us at Omnispine Pain Management. Our medical team provides safe, professional, and effective treatment for the pain and mobility issues you may be experiencing because of your condition. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. Our clinics are located in Frisco TX, Sunnyvale TX, and Mesquite TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.