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Best Doctors for Rheumatoid Arthritis in Lucknow

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the body’s tissues, particularly those lining the joints. This leads to inflammation, severe pain, and eventual joint damage. Often affecting both sides of the body, RA primarily targets the hands, wrists, and knees. In severe cases, the heart, lungs, and eyes can also be affected. The key risk factors for developing RA include genetic factors, age, smoking, obesity, hormonal factors, infections, and early life exposures.

The city of Lucknow, with its growing elderly population and increased prevalence of lifestyle risk factors such as smoking and obesity, has seen a significant rise in RA cases. However, Lucknow residents are fortunate to have access to some of the best doctors for rheumatoid arthritis in the city. The team of rheumatoid arthritis specialists at Apollo Hospitals in Lucknow suggest a combination of medications, lifestyle modifications, and sometimes surgery to prevent or slow joint damage associated with RA, thereby improving patients’ functionality and quality of life.

Search Result: 2

Dr Anupam Wakhlu

MD (Medicine) DM (Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology) Fellow Rheumatology, South Australia Fellow SLE & Psoriatic Arthritis Toronto Canada

Registration No

3140736

Language

English, हिंदी

29 years experience overall

Kanpur Road , Lucknow


MON- SAT(10:00 AM-12:00 PM)
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Registration No

4662671

Language

English, हिंदी

5 years experience overall

Kanpur Road , Lucknow


MON- SAT(09:00 AM-05:00 PM)
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Frequently Asked Questions for s in

Stress does not directly cause Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, stress can worsen symptoms and trigger flare-ups in individuals with existing RA. It is important to manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and seeking support from doctors or support groups.

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis involves a multidisciplinary approach. It is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor, engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy diet, manage stress, and seek support from family, friends, and doctors.

There is a genetic component to Rheumatoid Arthritis, meaning that people with a family history of RA can increase the risk of developing it. However, genetics alone do not determine whether an individual will develop RA. Environmental factors also play a role, along with infections, smoking, and hormones.

Rheumatoid factor (RF) cannot be reduced or eliminated as it is an antibody produced by the immune system. However, RF levels may decrease with effective treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Regular follow-up with your doctor can help monitor RF levels and disease activity.

B12 deficiency itself does not cause arthritis. However, B12 deficiency can lead to symptoms like joint pain and inflammation due to its effects on the nervous system. B12 deficiency can also cause pernicious anemia, which is an autoimmune condition that can be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. If you have joint pain or other symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor for proper evaluation and management.

The most successful treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis involves a combination of medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic agents have shown significant success in managing symptoms and slowing down disease progression.

There is no specific climate that is considered universally best for Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, some people find relief from their symptoms in warm and dry climates, while others prefer cooler temperatures. It is essential to listen to your body and adapt your lifestyle accordingly.

Rheumatoid Arthritis itself is not cancerous. However, studies have shown the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma in people with RA is slightly higher. Regular monitoring and appropriate medical care can help detect and manage potential complications.

It is not recommended to leave Rheumatoid Arthritis untreated as it can lead to joint damage, deformity, and disability. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can help manage symptoms and slow down disease progression, improving the quality of life for individuals with RA.

The exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis is unknown. However, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers. Factors such as smoking, hormonal changes, and certain infections may contribute to the development of RA.

Yes, some medications used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis can have side effects. Common side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) include stomach irritation and increased risk of bleeding. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological agents can increase the risk of infections by suppressing the immune system. Some specific side effects of DMARDs and biological agents include liver damage, bone marrow suppression, allergic reactions, and increased risk of tuberculosis.

Common symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss can also occur. RA typically affects multiple joints symmetrically, often involving the small joints of the hands and feet.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination findings, blood tests, and imaging studies. Blood tests like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies help confirm the diagnosis. Imaging studies such as X-rays or ultrasounds may be done to assess joint damage.

The treatment options for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) include medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and surgery if necessary. Medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents can slow down disease progression and help manage symptoms. Physical therapy can improve joint mobility and strength. Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques can also contribute to managing RA.

Rheumatologists are specialists who diagnose and treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. They have expertise in managing various types of arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, orthopaedic surgeons may be involved in treating severe cases that require surgical intervention.

Types/Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA generally progresses through the following stages:

  • Stage 1: Early RA involves mild symptoms like joint pain, swelling, stiffness, redness, and tenderness.

  • Stage 2: Moderate RA is characterised by more persistent symptoms that extend beyond smaller joints. Joint inflammation worsens, leading to increased discomfort.

  • Stage 3: Patients with severe RA experience severe joint inflammation and pain with pronounced joint damage, which affects the structure and function of joints.

  • Stage 4: End Stage RA is the most severe form of the disease with extreme joint pain and swelling and irreversible joint damage and deformity.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The symptoms of RA can range from mild discomfort to severely debilitating pain. They include:

  • Joint swelling and redness

  • Stiffness, especially in the mornings or after periods of inactivity

  • Fatigue and a general lack of energy

  • High temperature or fever

  • Rheumatoid nodules that can form under the skin around affected joints

Tests to Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis

A combination of different diagnostic tools are used by doctors for rheumatism to accurately diagnose RA:

  • Physical Examination: This involves checking for joint swelling, redness, and warmth while also assessing reflexes and muscle strength.

  • Blood Tests: These tests include checking for elevated levels of C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, which may indicate inflammation in the body.

  • Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasound tests are used to track the progression of RA and detect joint damage.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow

At Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, specialists for arthritic condition management offer a wide range of treatment options for RA:

  • Medications: These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic DMARDs, and Janus kinase inhibitors that help reduce pain and inflammation and control disease progression.

  • Non-Pharmacological Treatments: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, weight management, exercise, and the use of assistive devices help reduce joint stress and improve joint function and mobility.

  • Surgical Options: In severe cases of rheumatism doctors may advise surgical interventions such as joint fusion or joint replacement, synovectomy to remove inflamed joint lining, or tendon repair/realignment surgeries.

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