Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just joint pain—it's a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect the entire body. While this autoimmune condition is unpredictable and challenging, patients have viable treatment options available that can help them manage symptoms more effectively. From PRP injection Los Angeles treatments to conservative approaches that promote holistic wellness, our team at Interventional Pain Doctors is here to help patients find long-term pain relief. Here's what patients should know about tackling rheumatoid arthritis from all angles.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting 18 million patients worldwide. It's an autoimmune condition, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its tissues.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints, leading to painful swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
Conservative Approaches to Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pain management doctors will typically start with conservative treatments to manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and test their effectiveness.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Our Los Angeles pain clinic can prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and pain.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is crucial in maintaining joint flexibility and strength. Our pain management specialist Los Angeles can tailor exercises to your specific needs, helping to improve your range of motion.
Weight Management
Extra weight puts more pressure on your joints, especially your hips, knees, and feet. Weight loss through diet and exercise can significantly reduce joint strain and improve symptoms.
Alternative Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
When conservative approaches prove ineffective, our team at Interventional Pain Doctors may recommend regenerative techniques to help restore damaged joint tissue and provide gradual pain relief.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
During PRP injection Los Angeles treatments, our doctors will inject a concentration of a patient’s blood platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. PRP therapy can reduce inflammation and slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis by utilizing the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Stem Cell Therapy
Similar to PRP therapy, stem cell therapy can promote the regeneration of diseased tissues through a concentrated injection of the patient’s stem cells. While research is ongoing, early findings suggest that stem cells modulate the immune system, potentially repairing damaged tissues and organs affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
Consider PRP Injection Los Angeles Treatments
Living with rheumatoid arthritis demands a multifaceted approach to manage its complex symptoms effectively. From tried-and-tested conservative methods to innovative PRP injection Los Angeles treatments and stem cell therapy, the goal is to find an effective combination for each patient. Our team of experts at Interventional Pain Doctors is here to help patients restore their quality of life and discover new ways to achieve long-term pain relief. Complete our contact form today to schedule your first consultation.