Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis often strikes the hands, feet, knees, elbows, and shoulders — and it can be disabling without the correct treatment. At Pacific Rheumatology Center, renowned board-certified rheumatoid arthritis specialist Behnam Khaleghi, MD, and the empathetic team understand the disease in depth. They know that every patient has different symptoms and unique needs; they use a highly personalized approach to disease management. Comprehensive treatments are available in the two state-of-the-art practice locations in Tustin and Laguna Hills, California. New patients are welcome. Make your appointment online or call the nearest office for help.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most common autoimmune disorders, affects the joints. It happens when the immune system attacks the innermost part of the joint capsule (the sleeve around each joint). 

This breakdown causes irritation, inflammation, and joint damage. Without proper treatment, rheumatoid arthritis may eventually destroy the entire joint capsule and much of the joint itself. 

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and, potentially, disability. But there’s good news: New medical advances offer hope for people with rheumatoid arthritis. 

How can I tell if my symptoms are rheumatoid arthritis? 

Common early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Sore joints
• Difficulty moving joints 
• Chronic tiredness
• Fever
• Poor appetite
• Poor quality sleep

Symptoms usually start in small joints, especially the hands and feet. However, they may spread over time, affecting bigger joints like the knees, shoulders, hips, and ankles. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical. If it affects joints on the left side of your body, it almost always affects the same joints on the right side. 

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect organs such as the heart, kidneys, and lungs, as well as blood vessels and salivary glands. 

Many people with rheumatoid arthritis experience fluctuating symptoms. Times when the disease is particularly intense (flares) usually alternate with periods when you feel better. 

How does the doctor treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t get better by itself. Unfortunately, it’s a progressive disease, so you need treatment to control the disease path and avoid side effects. For example, rheumatoid arthritis can destroy bone, leading to osteoporosis in about 50% of people with the disease. 

This fact means that you need full-spectrum treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The Pacific Rheumatology Center team designs an individualized approach for you. 

They offer the most advanced and clinically proven medications for rheumatoid arthritis management, including Remicade®, Orencia®, Actemra®, Simponi®, and Rituxan®. 

In addition, the practice offers innovative regenerative medicine treatments, like stem cell and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. 

The team recommends personalized lifestyle management, a customized supplement plan, and other ways to support your health during rheumatoid arthritis treatment. 

Rheumatoid arthritis won’t get the best of you if you take steps to manage your disease. Pacific Rheumatology Center provides empathetic, expert, and exemplary care to help you live your best life. Call either one of the offices or make your appointment online today.