“Remission” is a word often thrown around in arthritis and autoimmune circles and can often be misconstrued as “cure.” So let’s start with what we mean when we say “remission” in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Remission isn’t just about feeling better—it’s about achieving a state where there are no visible signs or symptoms of RA, minimal joint inflammation, and low levels of inflammation markers in the blood. It’s what every rheumatologist and RA warrior strive for when making decisions about treatment.
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Methotrexate – Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve been handed a prescription for this medication, chances are you’re feeling a mix of emotions – curiosity, apprehension, maybe even a little fear. Well, fear not! Today, we’re going to unpack everything you need to know about methotrexate, its role in rheumatology, and how it can help you tackle those pesky autoimmune symptoms head-on.
Understanding Methotrexate’s History
Methotrexate may sound like a mouthful, but it’s been a cornerstone of autoimmune treatment for decades. Back in the late 1940s, its predecessors were first used to combat leukemia in children – and thankfully they were effective! Methotrexate then made its debut into Rheumatology with successful use in rheumatoid arthritis and then later psoriasis.
[Read more…] about Methotrexate – Everything You Need to KnowDeciphering the Rheumatoid Factor: More Than Just a Blood Test
Understanding the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and its relationship with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) isn’t as easy as the names imply. You might think that a positive RF test result spells out RA without a doubt, but as with most things autoimmune, it’s not that simple.
The Rheumatoid Factor autoantibody
The Rheumatoid Factor is an autoantibody, which means it’s a protein produced by our immune system that mistakenly attacks our own tissues. Our immune system is constantly producing autoantibodies, however we also have a built-in regulatory system that finds these autoantibodies and destroys them – making sure they don’t cause trouble. When an autoimmune condition, like Rheumatoid Arthritis develops, it’s because our regulatory system is faltering and isn’t doing a good job of getting rid of autoantibodies and other autoimmune factors.
[Read more…] about Deciphering the Rheumatoid Factor: More Than Just a Blood Test5 Essential Rheumatoid Arthritis Questions for Your Rheumatologist
Your relationship with your rheumatologist will set the stage for your rheumatoid arthritis progress and the best way to ensure that relationship is tight is by asking questions! Go beyond the basics with these 5 questions that will help you understand how your doctor thinks.
Understanding Your RA Diagnosis: How Certain Are You?
First things first, let’s talk about the diagnosis. RA can be tricky to pin down, and it’s essential to understand how certain your rheumatologist is about your diagnosis. Don’t be afraid to ask questions like, “How did you come to this diagnosis?” and “How confident are you about it?” Knowing where you stand can help guide your treatment plan and ease any uncertainties you may have.
[Read more…] about 5 Essential Rheumatoid Arthritis Questions for Your RheumatologistThe 5 reasons you have a swollen knee
If you’ve ever woken up to find your knee looking more like a balloon than a joint, you know it’s no walk in the park. Knee swelling is one of those things that can really throw a wrench in your day, leaving you scratching your head and wondering, “What on earth did I do to deserve this?”
The Sneaky Culprit: Overuse Injuries
So, picture this: you’ve been hitting the court hard, playing pickleball like a champ, or maybe you decided to lace up your running shoes and go for a 10-mile jog instead of your usual 3. Sounds like a recipe for knee trouble, doesn’t it? Well, it just might be.
You see, overuse injuries are like the silent assassins of joint pain. They sneak up on you when you least expect it, leaving you unable to keep active. And if you happen to have osteoarthritis, well, consider yourself even more susceptible!
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