Rheumatoid Arthritis - When to Call a Doctor
Call your health professional immediately if you have:
- Sudden, unexplained swelling and pain in any joint or joints.
- Joint pain associated with a fever or rash.
- Pain that is so severe that you cannot use the joint.
Call your health professional within the next few days if you have:
When Is Surgery Right for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Drugs for rheumatoid arthritis -- or simply RA -- can slow down the disease. However, after joint damage has occurred, surgery may be a reasonable option. Advancements in surgical treatment are giving people with rheumatoid arthritis more chances to maintain function and keep moving. Having surgery is never something to enter into lightly, but sometimes it can really help. When is the right time for surgery for rheumatoid arthritis, and what can you expect? There are a couple of reasons to choose...
Read the When Is Surgery Right for Rheumatoid Arthritis article > >
- Mild to moderate joint pain that continues and has not improved for over 6 weeks.
- Side effects that occur with large doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other medicine used to treat your arthritis.
Watchful Waiting
It is reasonable to try home treatment for mild joint pain and stiffness. If there is no improvement after 6 weeks, or if any other symptoms are present, call your doctor.
Early treatment can slow and sometimes prevent significant joint damage. So if you have symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis, see your doctor to find out if you have rheumatoid arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment allows for possible reduction of joint pain, slows joint destruction, and reduces the chance of permanent disability.
Who to See
Early arthritis symptoms can be diagnosed by:
- A nurse practitioner.
- A physician assistant.
- A family medicine doctor.
- An internist.
- A rheumatologist.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated by:
- A rheumatologist.
- A family medicine doctor or an internist who consults with a rheumatologist.
Supportive treatment can be provided by:
- An orthopedic surgeon, if surgery is needed.
- A physical therapist.
- An occupational therapist.
- Getting counseling.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Rheumatoid Arthritis Topics
How Well Are You Managing RA?
Take the WebMD RA Assessment to get a personalized plan for managing your RA symptoms.
Today in RA
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.