What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

If pain in your joints is a recurring problem, and you find yourself using over-the-counter pain medications regularly, it may be time to visit Dr. Mark Fisher, a Rheumatologist in Haddon Heights, NJ. You may have more than mere aches and pains. You should ask about Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Seeking help early can be much more effective and can prevent complications associated with this condition. Reaching out to your doctor or Rheumatologist to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and its effective management can be crucial to you in helping not only your pain and stiffness, but also reducing the risks for joint damage, joint deformity, and functional and activity impairments.

Understanding RA

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and has familial and genetic associations. This autoimmune inflammatory arthritis condition attacks the tissue surrounding your joints. This leads to inflammation and symptoms of prolonged morning stiffness, painful joints usually symmetrically located, and swelling of the joints. The hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, and feet can be affected. Nodules or lumps over the elbow or other areas can develop from this inflammation. If untreated properly, joint damage, deformities, and lack of range of motion can develop. These consequences can impair activities, and ability to work.

Early in this condition, you may find this recurring discomfort in the smaller joints of your hands and feet. At this stage, it is very important to seek an expert opinion from your doctor or Rheumatologist. The earlier RA is diagnosed and treatment begins, the more likely your chances become in preventing some of its more damaging effects and allowing you to live a more normal life.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Haddon Heights, NJ, Camden County, Gloucester County and all of South Jersey can seek assistance from Rheumatologist Mark Fisher MD FACR.

It is common for people to experience RA differently. Your own symptoms can vary in severity and the specific joints affected with stiffness, pain, and swelling can occur Other symptoms such as fatigue, weight loss, dry eyes and mouth, and difficulty sleeping may be associated with this condition. Your doctor will take all of this into account when deciding how to most effectively treat these symptoms.

Medication along with physical therapy can do wonders to minimize inflammation and pain. Medication can also vary. These can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), both over the counter and by prescriptions. In addition, medications that affect the immune system including injectables like biologicals given by intravenous infusions, and also subcutaneous injections or oral medications may be essential for your successful management. While there is no cure for these genetic autoimmune disorders that impact your lives and longevity, there are extremely effective and successful treatments available with your Rheumatologist.

It is very important not to ignore your joint discomfort. Mark Fisher MD FACR, a board-certified Rheumatologist, can help you with your proper diagnosis, and treat your rheumatoid arthritis in Haddon Heights, NJ. He sees patients from all over South Jersey. Please schedule an appointment today by dialing (856) 547-8004.