Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 14 million people globally and is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. At Millcreek Rheumatology in Salt Lake City, Utah, knowledgeable board-certified rheumatologist David Shaskey, MD, draws upon his 20-plus years of rheumatic arthritis experience to create a customized treatment approach that gets you out of pain and back to your activities. Schedule your appointment online or call the office today. 

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that usually affects multiple joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disorder, rheumatoid arthritis happens when your immune system mistakenly identifies your joint tissue as a threat and attacks it. 

Rheumatoid arthritis specifically affects the synovium (inner lining) of the joint capsule that encases your joint. The immune system attack causes inflammation and damage and eventually destroys the joint capsule.

Although rheumatoid arthritis can appear at any age, it’s most common in middle age (around 30-60). Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis starts after age 60. About three-quarters of people with rheumatoid arthritis are female. 

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may appear gradually, increasing over time. Typical symptoms include: 

• Joint swelling
• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Misshapen joints
• Joint tenderness
• Unintended weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Generally, rheumatoid arthritis affects smaller joints first, and it occurs on both sides of the body at once. The disease can move into larger joints as it progresses. 

Late-onset rheumatoid arthritis is unique: it often starts in the larger joints, and the symptoms may appear suddenly. 

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is crucial. Getting a diagnosis within six months of symptom onset allows you to start treatment early enough to prevent or reduce inflammation, joint destruction, and deformity.

Dr. Shaskey usually performs a series of blood tests to check for inflammation and specific antibodies. He also uses imaging tests, including X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs, to confirm your diagnosis and assess its severity. 

How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment depends on your unique symptoms and physiology. You can function at or near your normal levels with the right treatment approach. In fact, many people achieve remission (complete symptom control). 

Treatment usually starts with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which relieve symptoms and slow joint damage. You may also need non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or low-dose corticosteroids to ease pain and minimize swelling.  

Biologic agents, which disrupt the chemical signals that trigger inflammation and joint damage, are often helpful for severe rheumatoid arthritis. Usually, biologic agents work alongside DMARDs. 

Dr. Shaskey also helps with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and other measures that improve your quality of life. 

In the most severe cases, you could need a joint replacement, but Dr. Shaskey does everything possible to help you avoid it.

Call Millcreek Rheumatology or click on the online scheduler to make your appointment now.