Without treatment, advanced knee RA causes severe joint damage requiring surgery.
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How Does RA Affect the Knees?
RA takes place if theimmune systemattacks and damages tissues in the knee joint.
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Thesynovialtissues lining the joint (synovium) are the first to be attacked and become inflamed.
RA inflammation gradually affects the cartilage between bones, ligaments connecting bones, and the bones.
Inflammation erodes the bones, leading to knee joint deformities.
This leads to pain and stiffness that’s mild at first but gradually gets worse.
You’ll notice more stiffness and begin to lose some range of motion.
Stage 3
Stage 3 RA is considered severe.
Other Symptoms Of Knee RA
Knee RA causes symptoms beyond swelling, pain, and stiffness.
As a result, you may have RA swelling in both knees.
Nearly half of people with RA will develop inflammatory conditions throughout their body.
Diagnosis
RA is diagnosed through a medical examination and blood tests.
Medications
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the first line of treatment for RA.
However, they’re one of several medications your healthcare provider may prescribe.
RA symptoms go through cycles of symptom flare-ups and remission.
Synovectomy: This is surgery to remove the damaged joint lining.
The severity of your RA determines if this is a good surgical option for you.
After surgery, physical therapy is provided for up to four months to help you regain movement and function.
As a result, you experience progressive symptoms of swelling, pain, and limited movement.
Early treatment with medication and physical therapy is essential for maintaining mobility, function, and long-term joint health.
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