Who treats rheumatoid arthritis?
Treatment usually involves a rheumatologist. An orthopaedic surgeon may help when the condition causes joint damage, deformity or difficulty moving.
Dr. Praful Kilaru
Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad
Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
+91 97019 97104
What Is the Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Treatment aims to control inflammation, relieve symptoms and protect joint function. Common treatment approaches include:
A rheumatologist usually manages the disease. An orthopaedic surgeon assesses structural joint problems when necessary.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease. The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation. It commonly affects the:
RA is different from osteoarthritis, which involves changes in joint cartilage and other joint structures.
What Are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Joint pain and swelling
Affected joints may feel painful, tender or swollen.
Morning stiffness
Joint stiffness may be worse after waking up or sitting for a long time.
Fatigue and reduced movement
Some people experience tiredness and difficulty performing everyday activities.
Symptoms vary between individuals. Persistent joint swelling or stiffness should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood. It develops through an abnormal immune response. Factors associated with increased risk include:
Important
RA is not simply caused by ageing or normal wear and tear of the joints.
How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
There is no single test that confirms every case of rheumatoid arthritis. A clinician may recommend:
Test or assessment
Purpose
Physical examination
Checks joint swelling, tenderness and movement
Rheumatoid factor (RF)
Helps assess the possibility of RA
Anti-CCP antibody test
Provides additional evidence for diagnosis
ESR and CRP
Help assess inflammation
X-ray, ultrasound or MRI
Evaluates joint changes when appropriate
Test results must be interpreted alongside symptoms and examination findings. A negative blood test does not always rule out RA.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Medical treatment
A rheumatologist may recommend:
Medication should only be started, stopped or changed under appropriate medical supervision.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
A suitable rehabilitation programme may help patients:
Exercises should be adapted to the patient's symptoms and disease activity. Learn more about our physiotherapy and rehabilitation support.
Orthopaedic treatment
An orthopaedic assessment may be useful when RA causes:
Surgery may be considered in selected cases. It does not cure the underlying autoimmune disease, so ongoing medical management remains important. When a knee or hip is badly damaged, this may include knee replacement or hip replacement surgery.
When Should You Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon?
Consider an orthopaedic assessment if you experience:
For suspected or newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis, a rheumatologist is usually the appropriate specialist to manage the inflammatory disease.
Needs urgent assessment
A suddenly hot, swollen and very painful joint, especially with fever, requires urgent medical assessment.
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect the Knee and Hip?
Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect larger joints, including the knees and hips. Possible symptoms include:
Treatment depends on whether symptoms are caused by active inflammation, permanent joint damage or another condition. Our knee pain treatment and hip pain treatment pages explain other common causes of pain in these joints.
What Happens During an Orthopaedic Consultation?
An orthopaedic consultation may include:
Bring your previous reports and current medication list if available.
About Dr. Praful Kilaru
Dr. Praful Kilaru is listed as a Senior Consultant Joint Replacement and Complex Trauma Surgeon at Yashoda Hospitals, Malakpet, Hyderabad.
His orthopaedic practice is relevant to the assessment of selected joint complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
For the full professional profile, visit Dr. Praful Kilaru's profile.
Medical References
The following resources provide further information about rheumatoid arthritis:
Frequently Asked Questions About Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is the best treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
There is no single treatment suitable for everyone. DMARDs are central to disease management, while other medicines and supportive treatments depend on the patient's condition.
Which doctor treats rheumatoid arthritis?
A rheumatologist usually diagnoses and manages RA. An orthopaedic surgeon may assess joint damage, deformity or tendon problems.
Is rheumatoid arthritis curable?
There is currently no permanent cure, but appropriate treatment can control inflammation, reduce symptoms and help prevent or slow joint damage.
Which tests are used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
Assessment may include rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, ESR, CRP, physical examination and imaging where appropriate.
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect the knee?
Yes. RA can affect the knee and cause pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced movement.
Which joint is spared in rheumatoid arthritis?
There is no single joint that is always spared. RA commonly affects the hands, wrists and feet, but its joint pattern varies between individuals.
Does rheumatoid arthritis always require surgery?
No. Medical treatment is the main approach to controlling the disease. Surgery may be considered when permanent joint damage causes significant pain or disability.
Should I stop medication when symptoms improve?
Do not stop or change prescribed RA medication without consulting your treating clinician.
Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and does not replace individual medical advice.
