Rheumatoid Arthritis & Related Joint Conditions
Expert Care by Dr. Vijay Kumar D at SV Ortho Care

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one of the most common inflammatory arthritis conditions, affecting 0.5% to 1% of the global population. While RA primarily targets joints, it is actually a systemic autoimmune disease—meaning it can affect various organs and tissues beyond the joints.

The disease specifically attacks the synovium (the lining of joints), leading to inflammation, pain, and eventual joint destruction. Over time, if left untreated, RA can cause joint deformities and disability.

Causes & Risk Factors
The exact cause of RA remains unknown, but certain triggers and risk factors include:

Environmental factors: Smoking, bacterial or viral infections

Genetic susceptibility: Especially individuals with HLA-DR4 genes

Gender: More common in women (Female:Male ratio = 3:1)

Hereditary links and family history

Radiological Findings
RA is typically diagnosed through clinical symptoms and radiological imaging, which may reveal:

Joint space narrowing

Cartilage destruction

Bone cysts

Juxta-articular osteoporosis

These changes are often visible on X-rays, particularly in small joints.

Extra-Articular Manifestations
RA doesn’t just affect joints. In advanced or aggressive cases, it may cause:

Rheumatoid nodules (commonly on forearms or Achilles tendon)

Pleural disease

Myocarditis

Pericarditis

Diagnosis of RA
RA is diagnosed using a combination of:

Persistent joint pain, especially in small joints

Early morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes

Positive rheumatoid factor (RF) or Anti-CCP antibodies

Radiographic evidence of joint damage

Treatment Approach at SV Ortho Care
Dr. Vijay Kumar D emphasizes early diagnosis and proactive treatment to prevent joint damage and preserve mobility.

Treatment Options Include:
DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs): First-line treatment to slow disease progression

Glucocorticoids: Help reduce acute inflammation rapidly

Biologic DMARDs: For resistant cases, medications like Anakinra, Rituximab, and Abatacept are used to target specific immune responses

Surgical Options
For patients with severe joint inflammation or advanced damage, surgical intervention may be required:

Arthroscopic Synovectomy: Removes inflamed synovial tissue in large joints (like the knee)

Joint Replacement (Hip, Knee, Shoulder): Offers long-term pain relief and restores mobility in advanced cases

Other Common Arthritic Conditions Treated at SV Ortho Care
Gout (Seronegative Arthritis)
Caused by elevated levels of uric acid, gout commonly affects the big toe initially and may spread to other joints. Triggers include:

High-protein diet

Alcohol

Stress

Genetic predisposition

Normal Uric Acid Levels:

Females: < 5.7 mg/dL

Males: < 7.7 mg/dL

Treatment Includes:

Lifestyle changes and dietary modifications

Medications like Colchicine, Allopurinol, and Febuxostat

Seronegative Arthropathies
These are inflammatory arthritis types that do not test positive for Rheumatoid Factor but show active inflammation:

1. Psoriatic Arthritis
Linked to psoriasis; managed with anti-inflammatory treatments and immunosuppressants.

2. Ankylosing Spondylitis
Affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, often seen in young males, associated with HLA-B27 gene.

3. Reactive Arthritis
Occurs after infections, causing joint pain and inflammation.

4. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Affects children and adolescents; early intervention is key for growth and development.

Why Choose SV Ortho Care?
Expert care by Dr. Vijay Kumar D, renowned orthopedic specialist

Advanced diagnostic tools and tailored treatment plans

Surgical and non-surgical treatment under one roof

Focus on early intervention, pain relief, and long-term joint health

Take the first step toward a pain-free life.
Book your consultation today with Dr. Vijay Kumar D at SV Ortho Care and let us help you reclaim your mobility and quality of life.