Rheumatology in Arizona

Rheumatoid Arthritis Service

The Mayo Clinic in Arizona Rheumatoid Arthritis Service is comprised of physicians from several specialties who collaborate with one another to provide comprehensive evaluations and organized care that improves the quality of life for those affected by rheumatoid arthritis and associated disorders.

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most debilitating forms of arthritis, causing joints to ache and swell and eventually become deformed. The disorder's cause is unknown, but it's believed to be the body's immune system attacking the synovium — the tissue that lines one's joints.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may come and go over time, but generally include:

• Joint pain and swelling, especially in the smaller joints of the hands and feet
• Joint and muscle aching or stiffness after sleep or long periods of rest
• Loss of motion in the affected joints
• Loss of strength in muscles attached to the affected joints
• Severe fatigue during flare-ups
• General sense of not feeling well
• Deformity of the joints over time

Unlike osteoarthritis, which affects only the bones and joints, rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of tear glands, salivary glands, the lining of the heart and lungs, the lungs themselves, and in rare cases, the blood vessels.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 2.1 million Americans, generally striking between the ages of 20 and 50. There is no known cure. But with proper treatment, a strategy for joint protection and changes in lifestyle, you can live a long, productive life with this condition.

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Service at Mayo Clinic in Arizona brings together physicians in rheumatoid-arthritis-related medical and surgical specialties to provide coordinated and comprehensive evaluation and treatment.

Benefits to being seen at the Rheumatoid Arthritis Service include:

• Complete care at one location
• Coordinated and expedited multi-specialty evaluation as necessary
• Comprehensive work-ups
• Specialist opinion regarding diagnosis and treatment

Click here to make an appointment at the Rheumatoid Arthritis Service.