Are you searching for more information about rheumatoid arthritis in Brisbane?
Keep reading to learn more about this painful condition and how our rheumatoid arthritis specialists can tailor treatment plans to alleviate your symptoms and get you back to enjoying a pain-free life!
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, often associated with red, swollen and inflamed joints. Your body’s own immune system attacks the joint lining, usually in your finger joints, hands and feet but can also target your hips and knees.
At this stage, there is no known cure. It is not all bad news though! With early intervention and treatment, we can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of your life.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of RA vary, but typically include:
- Joint pain, swelling and tenderness
- Stiffness that can affect your mobility
- Symmetrical presentations - where the same joints on each side of your body are affected
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Rash
- Approximately 40% of people diagnosed with RA may have atypical complaints that involve their skin, lung, heart or eyes.
This painful disease is characterised by joints that are sore, swollen and red.
What are the causes of rheumatoid arthritis?
There is no clear cause of RA, however, it is more common in those who have a family history of it. Hormones, bacterial or viral infections, emotional distress and environmental triggers such as smoking or pollution are thought to contribute to RA.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
At your initial appointment with a specialist, they will conduct a physical examination, ask about your family history and may order several tests. These can include:
- Blood tests to look for inflammatory markers and certain antibodies that indicate the presence of RA.
- X-rays to assess your bones and any joint damage.
Your doctor will also look at the pattern of your symptoms, what brings on discomfort and swelling and what relieves it. This helps them form an accurate overall picture and can lead to a diagnosis.
RA can take time to identify due to its complex nature and presentation. Rheumatologists are experts at diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints like RA. We have specialist skills in creating a treatment plan that avoids any long-term damage or deformity to your joints and helps you live life to its fullest.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment options
When RA is identified early and the right therapy is prescribed, you can live a full and active life. Our experts will work closely with you to form a definitive diagnosis and a plan for therapy tailored to you.
Although there is no known cure, there are several treatment options that can help relieve symptoms and improve your mobility and quality of life. Each case of RA is different so what works for one person may not work for you. By trying different therapies we can find the one that will work best for you.
With early intervention and our expert care you can avoid long term joint damage and live life to its fullest.
Exercises
An exercise program is a great way to keep your joints, muscles and bones mobile, flexible and strong. It is best to avoid intense weight-bearing activities, but there are many alternatives you can try:
- Light weights or resistance bands
- Swimming
- Hydrotherapy
- Riding a bike
- Water aerobics
- Rowing
Medications
Our RA specialists can prescribe specific rheumatoid arthritis medications such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biological DMARDs.
They can also recommend various medications that help treat your joint pain and other symptoms, such as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories (NSAIDs), corticosteroids or paracetamol.
Heat/cold therapy
Alternating between heat and cold therapy is a great way to control the signs and symptoms of RA. It is always best to check with your doctor or your rheumatoid arthritis specialist before using heat and cold therapy.
Using heat in the form of heat packs or compresses, hot showers or baths, and saunas relieve stiffness, increase flexibility and improve circulation.
Cold therapy using ice packs, ice baths, or a cold shower can help decrease inflammation and discomfort.
Joint protection
For those people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and diseases such as RA, there are several things you can do to protect your vulnerable joints from further damage, and prevent the swelling and pain associated with flare-ups.
- Use assistive gadgets and devices for anything from getting dressed and putting your shoes on to cooking and eating a meal.
- Avoid lifting heavy or awkward objects.
- Eat a balanced diet and limit alcohol.
Weight control
Being overweight or obese places extra stress and strain on your joints. To reduce your risk of flare-ups and the significant discomfort associated with RA, you should aim for a healthy weight range.
Low impact and non-weight bearing exercises like water aerobics, hydrotherapy and swimming are great ways to stay active and protect your joints.
Why choose us for your rheumatoid arthritis treatment?
We pride ourselves on our friendly staff who go the extra mile to deliver holistic and personalised health care for all of our patients. Our healthcare team works together to diagnose and form comprehensive plans that take into account the whole person.
We are passionate about treating rheumatoid arthritic conditions and helping improve your quality of life.
How much does rheumatoid arthritis treatment cost?
The cost of seeing a rheumatoid arthritis specialist at our rheumatology clinic will vary. Our patients with suspected RA are usually complex cases that will need investigations such as blood tests to assess your immune system and inflammatory markers or X-rays.
How to contact us
You can find your friendly RA specialists here:
- 24 Railway Terrace (Corner of Pound Street)
Dutton Park QLD 4102 - (07) 3255 1066
- (07) 3521 6780
- admin@arthritiscare.com.au
- Monday to Friday: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
Meet
Dr Peter Landsberg
Dr Peter Landsberg (MBBS (Hons), DipRACOG, FRACGP, FRACP) founded Rheumatology.com.au in 2016. He studied at the University of Queensland, where he graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in both medicine and surgery. He has undertaken further study to specialise as a Rheumatologist with a passion for treating inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disorders.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
All your RA commonly asked questions are answered below.
Pain and RA are usually complex cases, meaning you may have to try several different medications before finding the best pain-relieving therapy for you. Paracetamol, Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are just some of the medical therapies you can use for pain.
A Rheumatologist is a specialist doctor who is qualified in the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses of the joints, bones and muscles. Sometimes this group of diseases are termed rheumatic diseases or rheumatism.
The first signs of RA can be mistaken for a virus. You may feel fatigued, unwell and have a fever. These viral-like symptoms don’t go away, instead, they worsen and you will develop sore, swollen and red joints. Usually, this will start in the finger joints or feet before progressing to other joints in your body.
No, it is not. PMR is a systemic condition that generally only occurs in individuals 60 to 80 years of age. It tends to affect the shoulders and hips more than the smaller hand and feet bones associated with RA.
You can google search for a rheumatoid specialist, or ask your GP for recommendations. Or check out our contact page for our information and to book your first appointment with one of our friendly experts.
There is currently no cure for RA. However, if you receive treatment early in the course of your disease, your RA can effectively be “turned off” through the use of medications only available from a Rheumatologist. Our doctors are skilled at expertly providing education, support and early intervention to reduce the risk of joint damage and to lessen the impact of RA on your life.
Yes, RA causes joint inflammation when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body leading to painful, swollen joints.
There are many different therapies for inflammatory arthritis, and the best treatment will depend on your individual RA flare-ups and presentation. Book an appointment with one of our friendly Rheumatologists today and discuss what treatment will be best for you.
There are several things you should not do if you have RA. Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, strenuous exercises or weight-bearing exercise like running. It is best to speak to an expert about what you should be avoiding and how to reduce the impact of RA through simple lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, gentle exercise and other therapies.
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