What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the
joints in the body become inflamed and swollen. If untreated it can
lead to reduced movement of the joints and the breakdown of bone
and cartilage. Other organ systems can also be involved. The
severity varies a great deal from person to person.
If you are referred to us with rheumatoid
arthritis, or suspected rheumatoid arthritis, you will be treated
by the team in the Rheumatology Department.
What might the treatment involve?
Most rheumatic diseases cannot be cured but effective treatment
can allow sufferers to live pain free and active lives. Early
initiation of treatment can cause the disease to go into
remission.
Treatments include pain relief, medication, exercise, dietary
control, rest and relaxation and education on how best to manage
the condition. Other treatment may include the use of assistive
devices such as splints and braces.
It is important that the doctor and the patient work together to
develop a treatment schedule that helps each patient maintain or
improve his or her lifestyle. It is not unusual for treatment plans
to combine several differing types of treatment depending on the
condition of the patient.
Related wards and clinics
The rheumatology team operates clinics in:
- Reading
- Wallingford
- Wantage
- Newbury
- Henley.
If you need to stay in the Royal Berkshire
Hospital you will be admitted to the Adelaide Annexe.
Useful Contacts
Royal Berkshire Hospital Foundation Trust
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
0118 322 5111