Rheumatoid Arthritis

The symptoms of RA vary in severity and may come and go. The small joints, such as those in your wrists, hands, and feet, are typically affected first. Symptoms that occur during a flare-up can last for days or even months.

Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• pain, tenderness, swelling, or stiffness in one or more of your joints that lasts for 6 weeks or longer

• stiffness upon waking that lasts for 30 minutes or longer

• symptoms in the same joints on both sides of the body

• fatigue, a fever and loss of appetite

Approximately 40% of people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience symptoms in other areas of their body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and kidneys.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the cells that usually fight infections start to mistakenly attack the cells that line your joints. Over time, the cartilage surrounding your joints and the nearby bones is worn down and damaged, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

It’s not known exactly what triggers your immune system to behave in this way, but risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis include:

• sex – you’re more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis if you’re female

• family history – rheumatoid arthritis may be hereditary

• smoking – if you currently smoke or have smoked in the past, you may have an increased risk of developing the condition

• obesity – people carrying excess weight seem to be at higher risk

At your first Welbeck consultation, you’ll be seen by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, who will ask you about your symptoms, general health, family and medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They’ll also perform a physical examination of your affected joints. 

Your consultant may order tests such as blood tests, MRI scans, and X-rays to confirm their diagnosis and rule out any other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.

As it isn’t known what causes RA, it isn’t always possible to prevent the condition. It may also be caused by genetics and other factors that are beyond your control. 

However, you can reduce your risk of developing RA by making healthy lifestyle choices such as: 

• maintaining a healthy weight

• eating a balanced diet such as the Mediterranean diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and olive oil

• making sure you get enough Vitamin D 

• not smoking

• getting enough sleep

• reducing exposure to environmental toxins

RA is usually treatable, and most people with the condition live normal, healthy lives; however, without treatment, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other parts of your body and lead to complications, including:

• joint damage or deformity 

• dry eyes and/or a dry mouth

• osteoporosis

• heart disease

• lung disease

• vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) 

• nerve damage 

• emotional and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety due to long-term pain and reduced mobility

While there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help reduce the frequency and impact of flare-ups.

Treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis include:

• regular exercise – staying active can help you maintain a healthy weight or lose weight, which can reduce stress on your joints

• medications – topical or oral pain medicines and oral anti-inflammatory medications can reduce aching, inflammation and swelling. Corticosteroids and other prescription medications may also be given to help with pain and inflammation

• hot and cold compresses – heat pads or warm baths can soothe stiff joints, while cold treatments can help reduce swelling and pain

• physiotherapy – can help improve your muscle strength and flexibility and reduce pain 

• surgery – arthroscopy (keyhole surgery) or joint replacement may be recommended if your joints are severely damaged or if pain cannot be controlled effectively with medication

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.