Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment – Specialists Doctors | Brooklyn NYC

Pain Physicians NY (Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, Bronx NYC) is one of the first practices in New York to offer an alternative Rheumatoid Arthritis and join pain treatment. Depending on severity of the pain we might offer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, laser interstitial thermal therapy, Pulse Stimulation Treatment (P-STIM), Electrical Nerve Stimulation therapy (tens therapy).

We are Approved New York State Department of Health Medical Marijuana Facility. Our facility equipped with the most advanced, cutting edge equipment. Our Brooklyn joint pain specialists are best in region. We were selected to be a part of the international medical team for the Rio Olympic Games. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease which causes Inflammation of joints, specifically the small joints in the hand and fingers. Unlike osteoarthritis which causes wear and tear, it affects the lining of joints. Painful swelling occurs in the area which can cause bone erosion and joint deformation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis as an Autoimmune Disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease which takes place when body immune system attacks its own tissues by mistake. Sometimes it involves body’s other organs too like the skin, the eyes and even blood vessels.

Rheumatoid Arthritis involves considerably at least three main courses of the disease.

• Monocyclic – characterized only by one episode, usually 2 -5 years after the initial diagnosis.
• Polycyclic – the disease is active and its signs and symptoms are fluctuating.
• Progressive – the disease continues to progress, leading every time to more severe signs and symptoms.

The prevalence of the disease is 0.4-1.32% worldwide. It can occur at any age but usually after the age of 40. Women are at higher risk when compared to men.

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Characteristic signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:

• Tender, warm and swollen joints.
• Morning Stiffness lasting for several hours.
• Formation of bumps under skin on the arm (Rheumatoid Nodules).
• Fatigue and weight loss.

In its early stages, the disease affects the small joints, usually of the fingers and toes. As the disease progresses its symptoms spread to the wrists, arms, knees, shoulder, hips and ankle. Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms vary with the severity of disease and sometimes even periods of a total remission can occur. Over the time, as the disease progresses more and more joints all over the body are affected and these joints are more and more damaged. This eventually leads to joint deformity and joint displacement.

Risk Factors

Some people are at a greater risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis than others. Risk factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis are as follows:

• Gender – Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common among women than man. Experts believe that the reason for this is estrogen effect, which is a female hormone.
• Age – This disease can occur at any age but people among the age of 40 – 60 are at a higher risk.
• Genetics – It is believed that people whose close relatives have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk to develop and suffer from this disease.
• Smoking – smokers are at higher risk suffering from rheumatoid arthritis than others.
• Testosterone level – males who have low testosterone levels are more likely to develop the disease at a later stage.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is difficult to diagnose at its early stages as it may mimic the signs and symptoms of other diseases. No blood test or physical findings can diagnose the disease. But doctors can ask for blood tests to confirm the presence of the inflammation. Necessary tests include:

• Blood tests – are done to confirm the inflammatory process in the body. People with this disease show increased ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate). Other factors like RH – factor (Rheumatoid factor) and anti-CCP antibodies are also present in many cases.
• Imaging techniques – X – rays are done to check the progression of the disease. MRI and ultrasounds are done to check the severity of the disease.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis treated?

There is no proper cure for Rheumatoid arthritis. Medicines are given to treat the symptoms like the inflammation, pain and to slow down the inflammatory process in the body. In severe cases, even surgery is necessary. Medications necessary in cases of rheumatoid arthritis treatment include:

• NSAIDS (Ibuprofen and Naproxen) reduce the pain and the inflammation
• Electrical Nerve Stimulation
• Interstitial Laser Therapy
• Pulse Stimulation Treatment
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
• Corticosteroids (Prednisone) reduce the inflammatory process
• DMARDS (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs)
• Biologic agents (These drugs target the parts of the body where the inflammatory process takes place).

Surgery is the last treatment option and it involves total joint replacement, tendon repair and even joint fusion.

The most advanced pain management center, Brooklyn neck pain management doctors and specialists at Pain Physicians NY offer unique, individualized approach. We are using the most effective joint pain management options utilizing the latest technologies available in USA. 

We always consider a non-invasive treatment options first before we turn to more invasive procedures like minimally invasive surgery.

Pain Management Brooklyn
2279 Coney Island Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223
(718) 998 – 9890

Pain Management Downtown Brooklyn
26 Court Street, #309, Downtown Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 998 – 9890