Currently, 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can lead to joint damage causing chronic pain and loss of function and disability. The cause of this disease is unknown and the majority of sufferers are women, although rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone, including children.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually start with joint pain in the fingers, hands and wrists, but can include a number of different symptoms which are best diagnosed by a physician. Physician’s on staff at CentraState are highly trained and qualified to diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Since rheumatoid arthritis presents itself in many different ways, individualized treatments must be tailored to the individual patient. Your physician may prescribe certain medications for treatment. Other services offered at CentraState for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Joint replacement surgery
• Nutrition consultations (a healthy diet may help in alleviating RA symptoms)
• CentraState Fitness and Wellness Center (regular exercise may reduce pain)

At CentraState, we treat rheumatoid arthritis aggressively to ward of deformity and joint erosion, however early diagnosis is essential.

For more information on rheumatoid arthritis services at CentraState Medical Center, call (866) CENTRA7. Please visit our physician directory to locate an orthopedic specialist.