In 2015, it was widely maintained that 24.5 million people suffered from the auto-immune disorder called Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and those people represent 0.5 to 1% of the modern global population. The modern global population is further defined as those with immediate access to health care and facilities and data collection methods that practitioners use for reporting on them. The condition has contributed directly to cause of death at a rate of about 700 per year since 1990, so as diagnosis of RA has increased at a rate of 100,000 per year so has the number of deaths where RA is a named cause. RA is not a new phenomenon as it was first diagnosed in 1800, but it lacked the science of precise procedures for distinguishing it from other conditions with similar health symptoms. There are now more concise ways to distinguish RA from forms of Lupus or Fibromyalgia or other forms of arthritis.
It has been speculated that 40-60% of RA conditions diagnosed are hereditary, meaning that the presence of specific genes in one’s being contribute to the condition.
Wary about a family history of RA or concerned about the possibilities that your steadily increasing mobility issues might be more than cramping or spasms, don’t hesitate to investigate your options to address increasing foot pain. Dr. Kleis, DPM is respected for his thorough study of every individual’s condition, your personal history and his focus on comprehensive treatment. Call for a consultation visit and you will be impressed with the non-invasive relief options you may have: (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710 to set up an appointment in the Costa Mesa office.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may be the most serious. This disease causes immune system cells to attack healthy tissues in your joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Ultimately, if left untreated, the disease invades significant ligaments and muscles such as those of the heart and lungs.
Dr. Kleis, DPM has the expertise to make an appropriate diagnosis and provide a path toward control of RA progress through its stages. With focus on your feet, the base of mobility, he can deliver a comprehensive treatment plan that can relieve the symptoms of this irreversible condition. Call for a consultation visit and you will be impressed with the non-invasive relief options you may have: (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710 to set up an appointment in the Costa Mesa office.
Confused by the definitions of foot conditions. Examine the definitions within this website for a better understanding. Dr. Kleis, DPM is a well respected Podiatry practitioner and can see how these symptoms might be interlinked or resolved separately. Call to set up a consultation visit and get the relief that you need: (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710 to set up an appointment in the Costa Mesa office.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed and treated?
Have no doubt that this severe form arthritis requires a series of tests for complete diagnosis and these tests may be required regularly in order to verify and validate the success of ongoing treatments. Blood tests including DNA analysis help confirm possible genetic links to RA and X-rays examine the current damage. A complete list of current medications or supplements already in use is helpful in determining where conflicts might exist.
Dr. Kleis, DPM begins with a thorough physical exam and review of your medical history. He may also take blood tests or an X-ray to evaluate the extent of your condition and inquire about medications and supplements that you currently use. The goal is to develop an individualized treatment plan to reduce your risk of mobility loss and relieve painful symptoms and track the progress of RA damage. Your RA treatment plan may include:
- Wearing accommodative shoes or orthotic devices to make walking easier
- Injections of anti-inflammatory medicines
- Diet changes to improve your body’s reception of treatment
- Low level laser treatment and acoustic wave therapy
- Exercises or physical therapy to strengthen and protect affected joints
The goal for Dr. Kleis is to see the full picture of your RA condition, treat it in a manner that reduces its damaging effects to other tissue areas, and work to keep its destructive potential in check. Dr. Kleis considers every possible treatment before recommending surgery. However, if your RA causes severe pain or deformity that doesn’t improve with treatment, he discusses the best surgical procedure for your specific condition and lifestyle.
Dr. Kleis, DPM carefully considers the cause of your Rheumatoid Arthritis to create a treatment plan to ease the pain and improve your overall condition. Contact (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710 to set up an appointment at the office that is centrally located in Orange County, CA (Costa Mesa). The practice handles all ailments of the foot with caring and progressive non-invasive medical technologies.