Knee Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Central Louisiana

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that commonly affects the joints, including the knee, but it can also impact other areas of the body. When left untreated, RA may lead to complications involving the skin, eyesight, heart, and blood vessels. 

RA affects the lining of the joints, causing inflammation that can lead to swelling, joint damage, and even deformities over time. In the knee, this inflammation can significantly limit mobility and make daily activities painful. 

Symptoms of Knee Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are often easy to recognize and should be evaluated promptly if pain persists or worsens. Common signs and symptoms include: 

• Knee joints that feel tender, swollen, or warm to the touch 
• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity 
• Fever, fatigue, or loss of appetite 

Many individuals with early rheumatoid arthritis experience pain or stiffness in smaller joints such as the fingers or toes. As the condition progresses, it can spread to larger joints, including the knees, wrists, ankles, elbows, neck, and hips. 

Some people—less than half of those diagnosed with RA—may also experience symptoms outside of the joints, affecting areas such as: 

• Skin 
• Eyes 
• Lungs 
• Heart 
• Kidneys 
• Nerve tissue 
• Bone marrow 

Treatment Options for Knee Rheumatoid Arthritis 

Although there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early treatment can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. One of the most effective treatment approaches includes disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are designed to help patients achieve remission when started early. 

Additional medication options your orthopaedic specialist may recommend include: 

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 
• Steroids 
• Biologic agents 

Physical therapy is another important treatment option. A physical therapist can help you learn exercises to maintain joint flexibility and recommend modifications to daily activities that reduce strain on the knee. Therapy may also include strategies and tools to make routine tasks easier on arthritic joints. 

In more advanced cases, surgery may be recommended to relieve pain and restore function. Surgical treatment options for knee rheumatoid arthritis may include: 

• Synovectomy: Removal of the inflamed joint lining 
• Tendon repair: Repair of damaged or inflamed tendons 
• Joint fusion: Surgical fusion of bones to stabilize the joint 
• Total joint replacement: Replacement of damaged joint surfaces with metal or plastic prosthetic components 

Schedule a Consultation

If knee pain from rheumatoid arthritis is affecting your mobility or daily life, the orthopaedic specialists at Mid State Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Center can help create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. With six locations across Central Louisiana—Alexandria, Jena, Natchitoches, Pineville, Shreveport, and Ville Platte—expert care is always close by. 

Call (318) 473-9556 or book an appointment online to schedule a consultation at one of our six Central Louisiana locations.