Best Rheumatoid Arthritis Doctors in Mumbai

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly targets the tissue lining the joints, leading to swelling, stiffness, inflammation, and pain. In severe cases, this condition can result in joint damage and deformity and impact other organs such as the heart, lungs, and eyes. Factors that can increase the risk of developing RA in genetically predisposed individuals include family history, older age, smoking, overweight/obesity, and exposure to certain environmental factors or infections.

In the bustling city of Mumbai, RA poses significant challenges due to the diverse demographics, environmental factors, and lifestyle-related conditions like obesity. Hence, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialists in the city play a vital role in managing this disease. Apollo Hospitals in Mumbai has a team of highly experienced doctors for rheumatism who ensure prompt diagnosis and effective treatment to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Types/Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA typically progresses through the following stages:

• Early RA: This is the first stage which involves inflammation of the joint lining, causing intermittent symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness.

• Moderate RA: In this stage, joint inflammation increases, leading to more pronounced pain, swelling, and stiffness. X-rays may show initial joint damage, and range of motion may be reduced.

• Severe RA: At this stage, joint damage is significant, causing loss of functionality and persistent, debilitating pain. Systemic symptoms like fatigue, fever, and weight loss may occur at this stage.

• End-stage RA: This is the most severe stage, characterised by extensive joint damage that leads to deformities.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA manifests through the following symptoms:

• Joint pain and swelling

• Redness and warmth around affected joints

• Stiffness in the morning or after periods of inactivity

• Fatigue and lack of energy

• Poor appetite and weight loss

Tests to Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis

The doctors for joint pain at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, conduct the following tests to diagnose RA:

• Physical Examination: Doctors check for joint swelling, redness, and tenderness and assess muscle reflexes and strength.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests like C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody tests are used to check for signs of inflammation in the body.

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs and ultrasound can be used to detect joint damage and assess disease progression and severity.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai

The best doctors for rheumatoid arthritis at Apollo Hospitals, Mumbai, offer the following treatment options for RA:

• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs can reduce pain and inflammation and slow disease progression.

• Non-pharmacological Treatments: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and joint stress reduction through weight management and exercise can help improve joint function and mobility.

• Surgery: The best surgeons for joint inflammation recommend surgical procedures like synovectomy to remove inflamed joint lining, tendon repair or realignment, joint fusion, or joint replacement.