Rheumatology Treatment

Best Treatment for Rheumatology

The best treatment for rheumatology-related conditions varies depending on the disease type, severity of the condition and the patient’s requirement. This specialty deals with the musculoskeletal diseases, the autoimmune, and inflammatory diseases which affect joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other related tissues including RA, lupus, gout, osteo-, and rheumatoid arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that emits the attack on the joints with inflammation and pain. It is important that the condition is treated as early as possible to avoid joint and disability.

Rheumatoid Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune disease that essentially manifests in the synovial joints but can also affect other parts of the body. The symptom’s manifestation is also characterized by gradual onset and can increase in severity.

• Joint Stiffness
• Joint Pain & Swelling
• Fatigue and Weakness
• Low-Grade Fever
• Loss of Appetite & Weight Loss
• Joint Deformities & Reduced Mobility
• Warm, Red and Tender Joints
• Nodules under the Skin
• Nerve Compression

Rheumatoid Stages and Treatment

This illness is categorized in four stages, and the effect, manifestations, and approaches to its management vary in every stage. When detected in advance this condition can be managed effectively and does not allow damages to the joint.

Stage 1: Early RA

• First-line DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs)
• NSAIDs (Pain Relief)
• Lifestyle Changes

Stage 2: Moderate RA

• Escalate DMARDs (Methotrexate combined with another DMARD)
• Biologic DMARDs
• Steroid Injections for Severe Flares
• Physical Therapy & Assistive Devices (splints, braces)

Stage 3: Severe RA

• Strong DMARD & Biologic Therapy Combination
• Joint Injections (Corticosteroids, Hyaluronic Acid)
• Assistive Devices (Canes, Walkers)
• Surgery Options:

Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed tissue

Tendon repair

Stage 4: End-Stage RA

• Pain Management:

Stronger medications (Opioids in severe cases)

Nerve pain management (Gabapentin, Pregabalin)

• Joint Replacement Surgery (Hip, Knee, Shoulder, etc.)
• Physical Therapy to Maintain Mobility

Rheumatoid Diagnosis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) may be identified either through patient history, physical examination, blood test, and imaging studies. This is the reason as to why timely diagnosis is recommended to avoid joint damages and disabilities.

• Symptoms & Medical History
• Physical Examination
• Blood Tests
• Imaging Tests

Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication

RA therapy is used to control inflammation, manage pain, lessen progression of joint structural changes, and regain joint flexion and movements. Drugs are categorised by their purpose and the degree of the disease’s progression.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) – First-Line Treatment

These drugs slow the progression of RA and prevent joint damage.

Conventional DMARDs:

• Methotrexate (MTX) – Most commonly used; taken weekly
• Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) – Milder; used in early RA
• Sulfasalazine – Reduces joint inflammation
• Leflunomide – Alternative to Methotrexate

Biologic DMARDs – Advanced Treatment

These target specific immune pathways causing inflammation. Used if Methotrexate alone is not effective.

TNF Inhibitors:

• Etanercept (Enbrel), Infliximab (Remicade), Adalimumab (Humira)

IL-6 Inhibitors:

• Tocilizumab (Actemra), Sarilumab (Kevzara)

B-Cell Therapy:

• Rituximab (Rituxan)

T-Cell Modulators:

• Abatacept (Orencia)

Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors – Targeted Oral Therapy

Used for moderate to severe RA if other DMARDs fail.

JAK Inhibitors:

• Tofacitinib (Xeljanz), Baricitinib (Olumiant), Upadacitinib (Rinvoq)

Pain & Inflammation Control

These do not slow disease progression but help manage symptoms.    

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

• Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Celecoxib

Corticosteroids (Short-Term Use):

• Prednisone, Methylprednisolone (Used for severe flares)

Top Hospitals for Rheumatology

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta-The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Apollo Hospital, Delhi
• Max Hospital, Saket

Top Doctors for Rheumatology

• Dr. Sumeet Agrawal
• Dr. Rajiva Gupta
• Dr. Naval Mendiratta
• Dr. Rohini Handa
• Dr. Prasan Deep Rath

Why Choose GetWellGo for Rheumatology?

The decisions to rely on the GetWellGo for Rheumatology are informed by self-serving factors that meet patient requirements and provide the best quality care as discussed below. Here’s why it stands out:

• Expert Medical Team
• Advanced Technology
• Personalized Care
• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
• Follow-up Services
• Assistance with Travel and Accommodation Arrangements
• Visa Support
• Cost-Effective Treatment

FAQ

1. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

• RA is a long-term illness that causes the immune system to attack the joint which results into swollen and painful joints and over time, the joint deteriorates.

2. What Causes RA?

Its cause is nevertheless still at large, but some of the possible causes include:

• Genetic factors
• Immune system dysfunction
• Environmental factors (smoking, infections, stress)

This is because hormonal changes are normal in women and can cause disturbances to the knee joint due to rapid weight gain.

3. What Are the Benefits of RA Treatment?

• Reduces pain, stiffness, and fatigue
• Initially it was used to improve the mobility and general well-being of the people.
• Decreases the need for surgery in later stages
• Lower risk of heart and lung complications

4. How to book an appointment for Rheumatoology?

• Email address: care@getwellgo.com.
• Phone number: +91-9289678787.