Texas Orthopedics Rheumatologist Dr. Robert Koval recently weighed in on the link between chronic inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis on WebMD.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack the soft tissue that lines the surface of your joints (synovium), which thickens the synovium and can destroy cartilage and bone near your joints. This attack also causes inflammation and the more active your RA, the worse the inflammation can be.
“Left unchecked, this inflammation cascade continues to build and leads to irreversible damage to the joints,” says Dr. Koval.
There is no cure for arthritis, but lifestyle changes along with a proper treatment plan can help you manage symptoms, decrease inflammation and therefore prevent further damage to the joint.
To help manage inflammation and RA symptoms, rheumatologists often recommend avoiding food that can trigger inflammation and incorporating foods that help fight inflammation. Moderate exercise, lowering stress and not smoking are also key to slowing RA symptoms and inflammation.
“In the end, the best way to reduce inflammation is to work with your rheumatologist and get on an appropriate treatment and medication plan,” Koval says.
Texas Orthopedics is fortunate to have two board certified rheumatologists for patients with autoimmune disorders. Learn more about our rheumatology services including two infusion centers here.
Read the entire WebMD article here.
