Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Specialist in Sugar Land and Houston TX

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused by a weakened immune system. This type of autoimmune disease can affect your joints, lungs, eyes, heart, blood vessels, and more. Though the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown, risk factors such as genetics, environment, obesity, smoking, age, and sex all play a role.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect many areas of your body. Early warning signs of this type of chronic pain condition include:
 
• Joint pain in the hands, wrists, knees, elbows, ankles, and feet
• Stiffness of your joints
• Swelling and inflammation
• Warmness around your joints
• Small bumps on the elbows and knuckles
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever and muscle aches
 
In severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis, other areas of your body can start to display symptoms such as:
 
• Severe joint damage
• Infection
• Osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular irregularities
• Lymphoma
• Carpal tunnel
• Nodules around joint pressure points
• Dry eyes
• Dry mouth
• Shortness of breath

There are three major types of rheumatoid arthritis, including:
 
• Rheumatoid Factor Positive (Seropositive) RA
Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis is categorized by specific substances called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides and rheumatoid factors in the blood. The majority of people who have rheumatoid arthritis are seropositive.

• Rheumatoid Factor Negative (Seronegative) RA
Rheumatoid factor negative RA, otherwise referred to as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, is identified by factors other than anti-CCPs and RFs. Because those who are seronegative don’t have these substances in their blood, you will likely need additional tests to correctly diagnose your pain as rheumatoid arthritis.

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis refers to rheumatoid arthritis that occurs in patients who are aged 16 or below. This type of RA is typically caused by genetics and/or a virus that has attacked the body.

Osteoarthritis is caused by deterioration of cartilage over time, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system will accidentally attack your body’s tissue, including the lining of your joints. Typically, osteoarthritis develops over many years, while rheumatoid arthritis can develop within only a few short weeks or months. If you’re experiencing symptoms of arthritis that coincide with symptoms of the flu, such as muscle weakness, fever, and fatigue, it is most likely rheumatoid.
 
If you suspect you have rheumatoid arthritis, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Modern Pain Management. Our friendly front desk can provide you with the information you need about our clinic and schedule you for a consultation appointment. Those living with rheumatoid arthritis may experience a decreased quality of life, which we aim to improve.
 
Arthritis can be treated at Modern Pain Management with a combination of stem cell therapy, intra-articular joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, cervical facet injections, medial branch injections, and more. These cutting-edge pain management techniques can alleviate your symptoms, prevent your condition from worsening, and significantly improve your quality of life. The experts at Modern Pain Management look forward to helping you get back to your normal life soon! We have convenient locations to serve you. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Houston TX, Sugar Land TX, Pearland TX, Jersey Village TX, Missouri City TX, Stafford TX, and Richmond TX.