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Effectively Treat Your Rheumatoid Arthritis in Thousand Oaks

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It’s estimated that approximately 1.5 million people in the United States have rheumatoid arthritis, and for many of those people, the condition has a major impact on their comfort and quality of life. At Elevate Plastic Surgery, Dr. Paymon Rahgozar provides surgery and other effective treatments for individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints. It is characterized by inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints, especially in the hands and feet. The condition can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels.

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, including the synovial membrane that lines the joints, resulting in inflammation and damage to the joint.

Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis usually involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, blood tests, and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in managing the symptoms and preventing joint damage.

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Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may experience a range of symptoms that can vary in severity and frequency. Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Swelling and redness
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Rheumatoid nodules (small lumps or bumps near the affected joints)

Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you’re seeking rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Thousand Oaks, you can schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rahgozar. He will examine every aspect of your situation, including your medical history and the symptoms you’re experiencing, to determine an ideal treatment plan to reduce or eliminate your symptoms. Potential treatment options for RA include the following:

Medications

There are several types of medications that can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can slow the progression of the disease and prevent joint damage. Biologic response modifiers (biologics) can also be used to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help to improve joint function and reduce pain.

Dr. Rahgozar or your physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy can help you learn how to perform daily activities with less pain and strain on your joints.

Dr. Rahgozar, or an occupational therapist, can teach you techniques for conserving your energy and protecting your joints.

Joint Surgery

In some cases, joint surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints. Typically, the preferred procedure for rheumatoid arthritis is joint replacement surgery, which will involve replacing your affected joint with a new artificial joint. Joint replacement is a major operation that comes with certain risks and a significant recovery period, so you’ll want to thoroughly discuss it with Dr. Rahgozar beforehand. This procedure will likely be administered on an outpatient basis using general anesthesia.

Tendon Transfers

In some cases, the lack of motion in the hand from Rheumatoid Arthritis can be caused by inflammation and tearing of tendons. Dr. Rahgozar can evaluate you and design a customized treatment plan that can utilize transfer of non-injured tendons to help restore the function of the injured tendons.

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Recovering After Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis

After undergoing surgery for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Thousand Oaks, there will be a recovery period in which you’ll need to rest up and allow your body to heal. The specifics of your recovery will depend on the extent of the surgery, and Dr. Rahgozar will provide you with detailed instructions to ensure that you heal properly. Your recovery period will likely require the following:

Rest and Relaxation

Rest and relaxation are crucial during the recovery process. Make sure to get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities. You may also find it helpful to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to help manage any pain or discomfort. Typically, you’ll need to rest at home for around two weeks before returning to work and resuming your normal routine. However, any strenuous physical activities or activities that put strain on the affected joint should be avoided until given the go-ahead by Dr. Rahgozar.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is often recommended after surgery for rheumatoid arthritis.

This can help improve your range of motion, strength, and flexibility.

Dr. Rahgozar or your physical therapist will work with you to develop a personalized plan with exercises that meet your specific needs.

Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet can help support your recovery after undergoing joint replacement surgery. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet. You should also avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive alcohol consumption.

Support System

Having a strong support system can also be helpful during the recovery process. Take the time to reach out to friends and family for emotional support, and consider joining a support group for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

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Why Choose Elevate Plastic Surgery for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Thousand Oaks?

At Elevate Plastic Surgery, we offer only the most modern, advanced procedures to provide our patients with the best possible results in the least invasive way possible. Our staff surgeon is Dr. Paymon Rahgozar, a triple board-certified hand specialist. Dr. Rahgozar and the rest of our dedicated staff believe in approaching every treatment with compassion, professionalism, and attention to detail, as we believe that our clients deserve to look and feel their very best without having to go through an unpleasant, stressful treatment process. If you have any questions about what we offer or would like to schedule a consultation, don’t hesitate to give our office a call today.

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