Our purpose-built facility is designed for patient convenience and comfort, making it ideal for people suffering from musculoskeletal pain and joint inflammation. The team at ArthritisCARE embraces the latest technology and a holistic approach to deliver effective rheumatoid arthritis treatment to Brisbane patients and the wider area.
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
RA is a type of autoimmune disease and inflammatory arthritis where your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body, causing musculoskeletal pain, joint inflammation, and swelling. It most commonly affects your hands, wrists, and knees.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes stiffness, pain, and swelling in joints, particularly in the bones of your hands, fingers, wrists, and knees.
What causes RA?
Although the exact cause of RA is unclear, we can identify several risk factors:
- Female
- Family history
- If you are born with the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class 11 genotype,
- Smoking
We also know that RA can be “triggered” by a bacteria or virus, emotional distress, hormones, or environmental factors such as pollutant exposure or cigarette smoke.
What are the signs and symptoms of RA?
RA symptoms vary from person to person, so here are the most common symptoms someone may show:
- Pain, swelling, and tenderness in joints.
- Joint stiffness is most often felt in the morning.
- Symmetrical symptoms where the same joints on both sides of your body are affected.
About 40% of people who have RA may also experience symptoms that don’t involve their joints:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Skin rashes
- Eye, lung, or heart issues
The pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with RA usually occur symmetrically, which means they will generally
affect the same joints and bones on either side of your body.
Experience Personalised Rheumatology Care That Puts Your Needs First
How do we diagnose RA?
While most types of arthritis cause joint pain, a rheumatoid arthritis doctor (or Rheumatologist) will need to determine the specific type of arthritis that affects you. We diagnose RA by using a combination of a physical examination and various tests, such as:
- Blood tests look for inflammatory markers and antibodies.
- X-rays to determine if there is damage to your joints.
Early diagnosis and intervention for rheumatic diseases such as RA are essential to decrease the risk of complications and long-term joint damage.
What are the treatment options for RA?
At ArthritisCARE, a rheumatoid arthritis specialist physician will work closely with you to diagnose your arthritic disease so we can tailor the right therapy to alleviate your symptoms. The ArthritisCARE team embraces the latest technologies and medical therapy to deliver effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis joint pain and inflammation.
Non-medication-based therapy, such as hydrotherapy and non-weight-bearing exercises, is a great way to maintain bone and muscle strength, increase flexibility, control weight, and manage symptoms of RA.
Non-medical therapy for RA:
There are many different things you can try to alleviate symptoms and treat RA.
- Avoid strenuous weight-bearing activities.
- Rest during “flare-ups.”
- Exercises to keep joints flexible and strengthen muscles
- Hot/cold therapy
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medications:
Our Rheumatologists are experts at treating diseases such as RA with medications. As RA affects each person differently, we may need to try several different types of medications before finding the right one for you. There are various different therapies we can use:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid medicines or injections
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Biological DMARDs
How much does it cost for RA treatment in Brisbane?
The cost of seeing a Rheumatologist for RA treatment will be specific to your unique needs and treatment plan. The Frequently Asked Questions section of our website gives you up-to-date information on how much ArthritisCARE currently charges for initial and follow-up appointments.
If you suffer from RA, the ArthritisCARE team can help.
The pain and discomfort caused by RA can have a negative and exhausting impact on your quality of life. Our team understands this as we treat patients with even the most complex cases of arthritis and other rheumatologic conditions such as lupus, osteoarthritis, gout, and RA.
Our Rheumatologists have a special interest in working with immune system diseases and inflammatory conditions. We have many years of experience and are genuinely committed to our collaborative and holistic approach to health care, which ensures optimal results for our patients.
Contact us to set up an appointment for a comprehensive, expert medical review today.
Meet Dr. Peter Landsberg
Dr Peter Landsberg, the founder of ArthritisCARE, has built a team of dedicated and experienced Rheumatologists and support staff to provide expert, friendly, and holistic care to all patients. His special interest lies in treating inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disorders.
How to contact us
Find a rheumatoid arthritis specialist near me:
- 24 Railway Terrace (Corner of Pound Street) Dutton Park QLD 4102
- (07) 3255 1066
- (07) 3255 1533
- admin@arthritiscare.com.au
-
Monday to Friday: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm
Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
FAQs
You can find commonly asked questions about rheumatoid arthritis below.
Learn more about RA in these helpful resources
Arthritis Australia’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Resources page
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/types-of-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis/
Information Sheet: Rheumatoid Arthritis by Arthritis Australia
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Rheumatoid-Arthritis-Information-Sheet-Sep20.pdf
Booklet: Taking Control of your Rheumatoid Arthritis by Arthritis Australia
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Rheumatoid-Arthritis-WEB-2019-1-Mar21-Update.pdf
Website: MyRA Designed to help people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) seize control and become active participants in their journey with RA.
https://myra.org.au/
Empowered: If you have concerns or want more information about rheumatoid arthritis, this website is designed to help.
https://empowered.org.au/
Blog Post and Video: Rheumatoid Arthritis: What you need to know by Dr. Peter Landsberg (Rheumatologist at ArthritisCARE in Brisbane)
https://arthritiscare.com.au/rheumatoid-arthritis-what-you-need-to-know/
Trust Our Experienced Rheumatologists to
Get You Back to the Activities You Love
If you’re suffering from joint pain, stiffness, or other symptoms related to arthritis, lupus, or other rheumatic conditions, we are here to help. Our team of experienced Rheumatologists is dedicated to providing personalized care and effective treatment options that can help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.