Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctors in Delhi

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and eventual joint damage. RA occurs when the immune system erroneously attacks the tissues lining the joints. The condition can also cause damage to other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, and eyes. Certain groups of people are more at risk of developing this chronic disease, such as those with a family history of RA, people between the ages of 40 and 60 years, smokers, those who are overweight/obese, and those exposed to certain environmental factors like pollution.

In Delhi, RA poses a significant health concern given the city's ageing population and rising incidence of lifestyle-related conditions. However, leading medical institutions like Apollo Hospitals Delhi are equipped with a dedicated team of the Best Doctors for Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment to help people afflicted with this severe condition. These rheumatoid arthritis specialists at Apollo Hospitals in Delhi are committed to providing personalised care and effective treatment plans for every patient.

Types/Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The stages of RA include the following:

• Early RA: Patients experience mild symptoms like joint pain, swelling and redness. Joint damage does not usually occur at this stage.

• Moderate RA: Symptoms persist beyond smaller joints as joint inflammation becomes worse. At this stage, rheumatoid factor antibodies may develop.

• Severe RA: Patients experience significant joint inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid nodules may develop and joint damage becomes evident.

• End Stage RA: This is the most severe form of RA with irreversible joint damage and deformity.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Patients with RA may experience the following symptoms:

• Joint pain, swelling, and tenderness

• Morning stiffness or stiffness following periods of inactivity

• Constant fatigue and lack of energy

• High fever

• Sweating

• Loss of appetite

• Chest pain due to inflammation

• Development of rheumatoid nodules under the skin around affected joints

Tests to Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis

When assessed by doctors for rheumatism and RA, a combination of tests are utilised, such as:

• Physical Examination: A Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Specialist thoroughly checks for joint swelling, tenderness, and redness.

• Muscle Evaluation: The doctor assesses muscle reflexes and strength.

• Blood Tests: These include testing for elevated levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies to check for signs of inflammation.

• Imaging Tests: X-rays and MRIs evaluate the severity and progression of RA and detect joint damage.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis at Apollo Hospitals Delhi

At Apollo Hospitals in Delhi, the specialists for arthritic conditions treat RA using the following methods:

• Medications: The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic DMARDs, and Janus kinase inhibitors help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

• Non-pharmacological Treatments: Physical and occupational therapy sessions help improve joint function and mobility.

• Surgery: Surgical procedures like synovectomy to remove inflamed joint lining, tendon repair or realignment, joint fusion (arthrodesis) to stabilise a joint, or joint replacement (arthroplasty) may be necessary in severe cases.