

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis that causes painful swelling in the joints resulting in painful and debilitating symptoms throughout the body. Although there is not currently a cure for RA, there are medications and treatments available for patients to help them mitigate symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system begins attacking healthy cells in your body, causing painful inflammation and stiffness. Typically, this attack begins in the synovium– the lining of the membranes that insulate our joints. The inflammation, if left unchecked, can cause damage to the tendons and ligaments surrounding the affected joints.
The likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis can increase with age, with most adults receiving their diagnosis between the ages of 30-50 although RA can affect even children. According to the American College of Rheumatology, more than 1.3 million Americans are affected by RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can increase and decrease in severity, in periods known as ‘flares’ and ‘remissions’. It tends to manifest in the smallest joints of the hands and feet first, before spreading to other joints in the wrists, ankles, shoulders, and hips. The stiffness in joints can be particularly painful in the morning from the lack of movement during sleep, which is a common indication for RA as most other forms of arthritis do not experience a similar stiffness sensation early in the day.
Rheumatologists advise that you come in for an assessment if you’ve noticed any pain, discomfort, or swelling in your joints. To give you an accurate diagnosis, doctors will examine your joints, and take note of your symptoms. If they notice anything concerning, they will order a blood test, as well as an x-ray or MRI to assess how far the disease has potentially spread throughout the body. Other related symptoms can also include weight loss, fever, muscle weakness, or fatigue.
Doctors are still searching for the answer as to what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Research suggests that a genetic component plays a role, but there are additionally some risk factors that may trigger the onset of the disease. These risk factors range from smoking to obesity, as well as early exposure to secondhand smoke. Women are 2-3 times more likely than men to be diagnosed with RA, with females making up about 75% of the rheumatoid arthritis population.
A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis comes with many painful symptoms, but it can also put a person at risk for complications and other comorbid conditions. These may include:
While rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, doctors can prescribe medicine and therapies that can slow the progress of the disease and mitigate painful, debilitating symptoms. Infusion and injection therapies such as Actemra, Cimzia, Inflectra, Orencia, Remicade, Renflexis, and Simponi Aria are the most commonly prescribed biologics for RA. The most important aspect of the rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan is developing healthy habits that keep you active and mobile as much as possible.
Other treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include drugs given through injection and infusion therapy, which are designed to slow the progress of joint damage and limit swelling. These are known as DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). Your doctor may also prescribe a certain type of DMARD called biologic agents, which are designed to target the immune system itself.
A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is serious, but manageable. Taking certain steps to improve your symptoms and ensure your health long-term is extremely important for RA well living.
Interested in moving your care to IVX Health?
IVX Health administers high quality infusion and injection therapies, including:
If biologics like Actemra, Cimzia, Inflectra, Orencia, Remicade, Renflexis, or Simponi Aria are a part of your chronic illness treatment plan, then consider choosing IVX Health for your ongoing care needs. IVX Health makes it possible to receive your therapy in a comfortable, convenient, and private environment.
With a private suite for every patient, you can watch your favorite Netflix show or movie on the big screen TV in each room, use a laptop or other mobile device to surf the web, or simply hang out with family and friends. We always have chairs for guests, and each center has a family room that is spacious and private if you need to bring your kids to your treatment. We also offer flexible appointment scheduling – including evenings and Saturdays – at any of our convenient locations.
At IVX Health, we truly are invested in helping you live your best life. If you’re ready to experience a new kind of infusion clinic, click here to learn how to move your infusion or injection therapy to IVX Health.
IVX Health – Glenview
2601 Compass Rd, Suite 140
Glenview, IL 60026
Phone: (847) 503-0007
Fax: (312) 253-7244
IVX Health – Schaumburg
1033 E Woodfield Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Phone: (224) 803-2292
Fax: (312) 253-7244
IVX Health – San Mateo
66 Bovet Rd, Suite 105
San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (650) 288-0826
Fax: (844) 889-0275
IVX Health – Fremont
43360 Mission Blvd, Suite 100
Fremont, CA 94539
Phone: (510) 992-4114
Fax: (844) 889-0275
IVX Health – Malvern
70 E Swedesford Rd, Suite 130
Malvern, PA 19355
Fax: (844) 820-9641
Phone: (484) 318-2268
IVX Health – Bensalem
710 Rockhill Dr
Bensalem, PA 19020
Fax: (844) 820-9641
Phone: (267) 678-0184
IVX Health – Montgomeryville (Coming Soon)
640 Cowpath Rd
Lansdale, PA 19446
Fax: (844) 820-9641
Phone: (267) 678-0330
IVX Health – Overland Park
13340 Metcalf Ave
Overland Park, KS 66213
Phone: (913) 948-2020
Fax: (844) 900-1292
IVX Health – Briarcliff
201 NW Briarcliff Pkwy, Suite 125
Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone: (816) 256-5346
Fax: (844) 900-1292
IVX Health – Lee’s Summit
3600 NE Ralph Powell Rd, Suite B
Lee’s Summit, MO 64064
Phone: (816) 272-0174
Fax: (844) 900-1292
IVX Health – Kirksville
1108 E Patterson St, Suite 10
Kirksville, MO 63501
Phone: (660) 431-4207
Fax: (844) 293-0979