Rheumatoid Arthritis

About 1.5 million people in the United States suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the lining of the joints. If you struggle with joint pain or stiffness, see the experts at StrongURCare in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. The highly trained urgent care team diagnoses and treats rheumatoid arthritis to ease pain and improve mobility. Schedule an appointment by calling the office, booking a visit online, or walking in today.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, and pain. People with this arthritis experience immune system changes that attack the lining of their joints, often causing damage unless treated.

The StrongURCare experts offer highly effective, advanced treatments that help manage your arthritis symptoms and avoid complications.

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the following symptoms:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Warmth in the affected joints
• Decreased joint range of motion
• Inflammation
• Cartilage and/or bone damage
• Fatigue
• Difficult mobility

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect joints in the hands, wrists, fingers, knees, feet, toes, and ankles. Left untreated, it can harm your lungs, nervous system, heart, and other organs.

What are the risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis?

The risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Gene changes
• Family history of rheumatoid arthritis
• Being a woman
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Aging
• Gum disease

This type of arthritis often begins between the ages of 30 and 60. Though it can show up in anyone, women are three times as likely as men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

The StrongURCare team diagnoses rheumatoid arthritis by discussing your symptoms, reviewing your medical history, and examining your joints. You might complete blood work, as well as X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or other imaging procedures to diagnose the severity of your condition and create an effective treatment plan.

How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

Your personalized rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan can consist of:

• Lifestyle changes
• Heat or cold packs
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Dietary supplements
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
• Prescription medication
• Injections
• Infusions
• Surgery

Rheumatoid arthritis can’t be cured, but treatment helps keep you symptom-free.

StrongURCare offers rheumatology infusions in a state-of-the-art infusion center, ensuring the highest level of care. Your provider follows up to ensure that your treatment is effective and long-lasting. If you’re a candidate for surgery, the StrongURCare team can refer you to a surgical specialist. 

It’s helpful to eat healthy foods, stay active, maintain an ideal weight, minimize stress, and avoid smoking and excess alcohol consumption to optimize your health and treatment results.

Schedule a rheumatoid arthritis evaluation at StrongURCare by calling the office, booking a visit online, or walking in today.