Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist
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Delaware Arthritis
Rheumatologists & Infusion Therapy located in Lewes, DE & Millville, DE
Affecting an estimated 1.3 million Americans, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that affects the joints and can lead to permanent disability. Board-certified rheumatologist, Jose A. Pando, MD, and his team of providers at Delaware Arthritis in Lewes, Delaware, and Millville, Delaware, specializes in managing rheumatoid arthritis and offers the most advanced treatments for this chronic condition to help reduce joint damage and improve quality of life. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request online today.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means the condition causes your immune system to mistakenly attack the healthy cells in your body leading to inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the lining of your joints, which can lead to joint damage and deformity. However, the autoimmune disease can also attack other parts of your body, including your skin, eyes, heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
Researchers aren’t sure what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but you may be at risk of developing the chronic condition if it runs in your family. It also tends to occur in women more often than men.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a range of symptoms and you may find that your symptoms come and go. Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Joint tenderness
- Decreased range of motion in the affected joint
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
In the early stages of the disease, you may notice these symptoms in the smaller joints of your body, such as your fingers and toes. As time goes on, the condition may begin to affect your larger joints, such as your wrists, knees, hips, or shoulders.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
Dr. Pando and his team conduct comprehensive examinations when you come to the office with concerns about rheumatoid arthritis. Getting a diagnosis early on in the course of the disease may help prevent any permanent damage to your joint.
During your evaluation, the Delaware Arthtitis providers reviews your symptoms, medical and family history. The team will also conduct a physical exam and may request diagnostic testing, such as blood tests, X-rays, and/or MRIs to confirm or rule out a diagnosis.
What are the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but our providers offer innovative treatments that may help prevent the progression of your disease and reduce the risk of permanent joint damage. Your treatment plan may depend on the severity of your condition, and our team of providers may be able to control inflammation and joint damage with anti-inflammatory medications, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS), biological medications, and corticosteroids
Some of the commonly used medications for the treatment of inflammation are administered intravenously. Delaware Arthritis has an on-site infusion suite for the administration of these medications.
Our team of providers work closely with the Lewes Wellness Center and may recommend an exercise program in addition to your medical treatment to improve joint health and function.
With advances in medicine, rheumatoid arthritis can be successfully managed. For expert care, contact Delaware Arthritis by phone or online today.
