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RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes your immune system to attack the lining of your joints. This leads to ongoing inflammation, pain, swelling, and-if left untreated-joint damage. RA often affects both sides of the body. starting in the small joints of the hands and feet, and it can also impact other areas like the eyes, lungs, or heart.

It’s not the same as wear-and-tear arthritis, and it’s not just something older adults face. RA can start at any age, with most cases developing in middle age.

Signs & Symptoms of RA

RA can affect more than just your joints. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

Joint-Related

  • Aching, tender joints-often worse in the morning
  • Stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes
  • Swelling, warmth, or redness in the joints
  • Joint symptoms on both sides of the body (e.g., both wrists or knees)
  • Reduced range of motion or difficulty with daily tasks

Whole-Body

  • Ongoing fatigue
  • Low-grade fever
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Dry eyes or mouth
  • Rheumatoid nodules (firm lumps near joints)
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

IF THESE SYMPTOMS SOUND FAMILIAR, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY APPEAR ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BODY, IT’S IMPORTANT TO SEEK EVALUATION EARLY.

How We Diagnose RA

At Piedmont Arthritis Clinic, diagnosing RA starts with listening. Our providers take time to understand your symptoms, health history, and how RA may be affecting your life.

We use a combination of:

PHYSICAL EXAM

Checking joints for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion

BLOODWORK

Testing for inflammation markers (ESR, CRP), rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and more

IMAGING

X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs to look for joint damage or Inflammation

Treatment Options at Piedmont Arthritis

RA is manageable-and we’ll create a care plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals. Our treatment plans are grounded in current best practices and delivered with compassion.

 

Your treatment may include:

DMARDs

to slow or stop disease progression

Biologic therapies or JAK inhibitors,

taken at home or administered in our on-site infusion suite

Steroid injections

to ease flares

NSAIDs

for short-term pain relief

Lifestyle and movement guidance

to keep you active

We also work closely with outside physical and occupational therapists to support joint health and help you maintain daily function.

Getting Started With Care

We accept new patients by referral only. If your doctor believes you may have RA, they can send a referral directly to our office. Most new patients are scheduled 4 to 5 months out, though urgent cases may be prioritized when possible.

You Are Not Alone in This

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a lifelong condition-but with early diagnosis and the right care, many people lead full and active lives.

At Piedmont Arthritis Clinic, we’re here to walk with
you-providing compassionate care with clinical excellence, every step of the way.

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