Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just joint pain; it's a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect all of your organs and significantly impact your daily life. The persistent pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with RA require specialized care from a dedicated rheumatoid arthritis specialist. Understanding the early rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and seeking the best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis are crucial steps in managing the condition and preventing long-term joint damage.
Bay Area Rheumatology leads the way in diagnosing and treating complex conditions like RA. Our team of board-certified providers offers cutting-edge, compassionate care from our clinics in Clearwater and Oldsmar, serving the entire Tampa/St. Petersburg metro area. We are deeply committed to effective rheumatoid arthritis pain management and are fierce advocates for our patients, ensuring you have access to the most advanced therapies available, including state-of-the-art infusion treatments.
If you are searching for a top rheumatoid doctor near you, you’ve come to the right place. We invite you to request an appointment with our expert team today.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, primarily the synovium—the lining of the membranes that surround your joints. This attack causes inflammation that thickens the synovium, which can eventually destroy cartilage and bone within the joint.
The rheumatoid arthritis symptoms often develop gradually and can vary in severity. Key signs include:
Without proper rheumatoid arthritis treatment, the disease can cause joints to deform and shift out of place.
While there is no cure for RA, modern treatments can achieve remission, where the signs and symptoms of inflammation are substantially reduced. The best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is a personalized plan created by your rheumatologist to control inflammation, relieve pain, and prevent joint and organ damage.
Treatment often begins with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These medications can slow the progression of RA and save the joints from permanent damage. For many patients with moderate to severe RA, the most effective rheumatoid arthritis medication comes from a class of drugs called biologics. These advanced drugs target specific parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation.
Many of the most powerful biologics are administered through intravenous (IV) infusion. Bay Area Rheumatology is proud to offer these cutting-edge infusion therapies in our comfortable, state-of-the-art infusion suites, conveniently located in both our Clearwater and Oldsmar offices. This makes us a premier choice for patients from Palm Harbor to New Port Richey seeking comprehensive care.
Infusion therapy is a cornerstone of modern rheumatoid arthritis treatment, delivering powerful biologic medications directly into your bloodstream for maximum effectiveness. This method allows the medication to get to work quickly to suppress the inflammatory process that drives RA. These treatments, such as Remicade® and Rituxan®, can lead to significant improvements in joint pain, swelling, and overall function, often when other treatments have not been successful.
As a leading rheumatoid arthritis specialist, Bay Area Rheumatology provides a seamless and comfortable infusion experience. Our highly trained clinical staff monitors you closely throughout the process, ensuring your safety and comfort. Our commitment to providing multispecialty infusion services means we have extensive experience and can help you navigate the process of starting these advanced therapies.
When you need a rheumatoid doctor near you, you deserve a provider who is a true expert in the field. The physicians at Bay Area Rheumatology are nationally recognized leaders. They are board-certified, hold faculty positions at universities, publish research in peer-reviewed journals, and lead national rheumatology organizations. This commitment to advancing the field ensures our patients receive the most current and effective care.
Furthermore, we are passionate patient advocates. We understand the challenges of dealing with insurance companies. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to get prior authorizations approved for your rheumatoid arthritis medication, fighting on your behalf so you can focus on your health. With fast appointment access and a focus on compassionate care, we are the trusted choice for RA management in the Tampa Bay area.
The exact rheumatoid arthritis causes are not fully understood, but it's known to be an autoimmune condition. It's believed that a combination of genetics and environmental triggers, such as an infection, can set off the disease process in susceptible individuals. Your genes don't cause RA, but they can make you more likely to react to environmental factors that may trigger the disease.
Taking control of your rheumatoid arthritis begins with finding the right specialist. Bay Area Rheumatology makes it easy to schedule your visit. We are committed to providing fast access to care because we know that early intervention is key to effective rheumatoid arthritis pain management and preventing long-term damage. You can book your appointment through our convenient online scheduling portal. Our team is ready to welcome you and partner with you on a journey to better health. We look forward to seeing you.
No, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are not the same. RA is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. OA, on the other hand, is a degenerative joint condition caused by wear and tear over time, leading to the breakdown of cartilage. While both affect the joints, their causes, symptoms, and treatments are different.
Currently, there is no cure for RA. However, with modern rheumatoid arthritis treatment, including advanced biologic and infusion therapies, it is possible to achieve remission, where symptoms are minimal or absent. Early and aggressive treatment is the key to preventing disability.
Untreated RA can lead to severe and permanent joint damage, deformity, and chronic pain. Because it is a systemic disease, it can also cause inflammation and damage in other parts of the body, including the eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Several powerful biologic drugs used to treat RA are given by IV infusion. These include TNF inhibitors like Remicade®, B-cell inhibitors like Rituxan®, and other classes of medication that target specific inflammatory cells or proteins. Your rheumatologist will determine if you are a candidate for these advanced therapies.