Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Specialist in Rapid City, SD

We are aware that the precise cause of RA is yet uncertain, and it can affect anyone, irrespective of age or gender, although it’s more common in women. Symptoms can vary but often include warm, swollen, and painful joints, fatigue, fever, and weight loss. For the condition to be managed, early detection of these signs is essential.

Diagnoses of RA is done through a thorough review of your symptoms, a physical examination, and necessary lab tests and X-rays. Our focus is on early diagnosis, ideally within 6 months of the onset of symptoms, to start a course of treatment that can stop or slow the disease’s progression.

Our approach to treatment is comprehensive, involving medications, interventional pain management, physical therapy, and if necessary, surgery. We believe in early, aggressive treatment to effectively manage RA. While there is no known cure for RA, our treatment plans aim to provide relief from symptoms and improve physical functions.

We also advocate for a holistic approach to managing RA. We help our patients incorporate lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, and sufficient rest into their routines. Our patients are encouraged to interact with others going through similar struggles because we recognize the value of emotional support.

Our comprehensive and proactive approach towards diagnosis and treatment and our support for necessary lifestyle changes ensure that our patients receive the best care possible.

Genetic factors significantly contribute to the development of RA. Certain genes, Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, for example, have been linked to a higher risk of contracting the illness. These genes are essential to the operation of the immune system, which, in the case of RA, erroneously attacks the body’s tissues, specifically the joints. However, not all individuals with these genetic markers develop RA, suggesting that other factors play a role as well.

Environmental factors, like exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollution, and certain infections, can also trigger RA. Cigarette smoking, for instance, has been shown to significantly increase the risk of RA, particularly in individuals who have a genetic predisposition. Specific infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus and parvovirus B19, have also been associated with RA.

Hormonal factors are believed to influence the onset of RA too. Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or after menopause may also increase the risk of RA in women.

As a medical practice specializing in pain management, Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic is dedicated to helping manage the signs of RA and enhance our patients’ quality of life. Understanding the multifactoral nature of rheumatoid arthritis – involving a complex combination of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immune system factors – aids us in providing effective, individualized treatment plans. Although not everyone who has such risk factors will go on to get RA, our team is prepared to offer comprehensive care for those who do, as we persist in funding studies to enhance our comprehension and management of this crippling illness.

One of the initial signs of RA that we frequently see in our patients is joint pain, specifically in the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, and feet. This pain is often symmetrical, affecting the same joints on both sides of the body. If you are experiencing this type of discomfort, it is worthwhile to get a professional advice, especially in the early hours or following periods of inactivity.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, we also pay attention to symptoms such as joint stiffness and swelling. These can significantly impair daily activities and reduce mobility, but early intervention can help manage these symptoms and prevent further damage.

We are aware that fatigue is another common symptom that can manifest even in the early stages of RA. If you’re feeling unusually tired, even without performing any strenuous activities, this could be a sign of RA.
In some instances, our patients with RA may also present with a low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss. These systemic symptoms, resulting from the inflammation caused by the disease, may indicate more advanced disease activity.

Lastly, a decreased range of motion could be indicative of RA. The joints may become difficult to move as readily as they once did due to inflammation, and this is something that our team at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic is trained to monitor and manage.

We want to emphasize that the early signs of RA can vary from person to person. If you are experiencing persistent discomfort and joint pain or suspect you may have RA, consult with our healthcare professionals at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic. We can help with early detection, crucial in managing symptoms and preventing severe damage to your joints.

During the physical examination, doctors assess the joints for signs of inflammation and damage, symptoms that are crucial in diagnosing RA. These symptoms, which include swelling, redness, warmth, discomfort, and limited range of motion, are easily recognized by our staff at Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic.

A key part of the diagnostic process is the patient’s medical history. The genetic component of rheumatoid arthritis makes the patient’s personal and family medical history significant. We pay close attention to the onset, duration, location, and severity of symptoms associated with RA, such as fatigue, weakness, weight loss, or morning stiffness.

We understand that no single test can definitively diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and that it may take several visits and tests to confirm the diagnosis. We are dedicated to provide continuous attention and support during the diagnosis procedure because of this.

Once rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, our team works with patients to create a personalized treatment plan. This plan typically includes medications, physical therapy, and if necessary, interventional treatments to manage pain and improve quality of life. Regular follow-ups are conducted to monitor the disease and adjust the treatment as needed, with the ultimate goal of slowing disease progression, minimizing joint damage, and improving overall quality of life.

At Rapid City Interventional Pain Management Clinic, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 101 E Minnesota St. Suite 301 Rapid City, SD 57701. We serve patients from Rapid City SD, Rapid Valley SD, Black Hawk SD, Box Elder SD, Sturgis SD, and surrounding areas.