Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissue lining the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, RA is driven by inflammation — causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and, over time, potential joint damage throughout the body.
At Eastside Family Health Center in Kirkland, WA, Dr. Frank Marinkovich provides comprehensive, personalized evaluation and treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Serving patients from Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, Woodinville, and Bothell, our focus is on reducing inflammation, protecting your joints, and helping you maintain a full and active life.
Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA symptoms can fluctuate between flares and periods of remission. Common signs include:
- Persistent joint pain and tenderness
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Swollen, warm, or red joints
- Fatigue and low energy
- Loss of appetite
- Symmetrical joint involvement — the same joints affected on both sides of the body
Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Gender: Women are significantly more likely to develop RA than men.
- Age: RA most commonly develops between ages 30 and 60, though it can occur at any age.
- Genetics: A family history of RA or other autoimmune diseases increases your risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for developing RA.
- Environmental Exposure: Certain occupational chemicals or pollutants may trigger autoimmune responses in susceptible individuals.
- Obesity: Excess weight can increase the likelihood of developing RA and worsen outcomes.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
In RA, the immune system attacks the synovium — the thin membrane that lines and lubricates your joints. This triggers inflammation that thickens the synovial tissue and, over time, can destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint. The exact trigger for this autoimmune response is not yet fully understood, but genetics and environmental factors both play a role.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment at Eastside Family Health Center
Managing RA requires a consistent, evolving treatment strategy. Dr. Marinkovich works closely with each patient to build a plan that addresses both immediate symptoms and long-term joint health:
- Medication Management: Anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs), and biologics tailored to your disease activity.
- Physical Therapy: Customized exercise programs to maintain mobility, preserve joint function, and reduce stiffness.
- Joint Injections: Corticosteroid injections for targeted, immediate pain relief during flares.
- Lifestyle Counseling: Evidence-based guidance on anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress management, and physical activity to complement medical treatment.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Blood panels and imaging to monitor disease activity, track progression, and guide medication adjustments over time.
Schedule Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Evaluation in Kirkland, WA
Left unmanaged, rheumatoid arthritis can cause significant joint damage and affect your ability to perform everyday activities. Early, consistent care makes a meaningful difference. Call Eastside Family Health Center at 425-899-2525 or book your evaluation online today.
