Rheumatoid Arthritis
Do the joints in your fingers and toes swell and stiffen after periods of inactivity? Does something as simple as gripping a toothbrush cause you pain? If so, you may have rheumatoid arthritis.
Every year, thousands of Wyoming residents find themselves giving up their active lifestyles due to this condition. However, we here at Premier Bone & Joint Centers believe that your life shouldn’t be limited by arthritis pain. Our orthopedic specialists can work with you to find the most effective treatment to manage your rheumatoid arthritis, restoring your mobility and limiting your discomfort.
Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis causes the body’s immune system to attack joint linings. In addition to painful inflammation and swelling, those with rheumatoid arthritis may experience:
Joint stiffness following periods of inactivity
Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
Eventual bone erosion and joint deformity
When diagnosing your condition, one of our board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic specialists will perform a physical examination to check swelling, reflexes, and muscle strength. Oftentimes, blood tests are used to check for markers of the disease, while imaging tests help your physician determine its severity.
Treating Your Condition
Once we have determined the extent of your rheumatoid arthritis, one of our specialists will come up with a comprehensive treatment regimen to help manage your condition. We always recommend non-invasive treatments first, like physical therapy to keep joints flexible and medication to manage pain and slow the progression of the disease. In more advanced cases, one of our orthopedic specialists may recommend surgery to remove an inflamed joint lining, repair a ruptured tendon, or replace a badly damaged joint. You can rest easy knowing that you’re in good hands—our orthopedic specialists benefit from extensive training in the most advanced surgical technology and techniques.
Don’t let rheumatoid arthritis keep you from living life to the fullest. Schedule an appointment with the orthopedic specialists of Premier Bone & Joint Centers today, either at our Laramie office or at one of our conveniently located satellite clinics across Wyoming.