Rheumatoid Arthritis Management
Rheumatoid Arthritis Management provides specialist medical care combining disease-modifying drugs, biologic therapies, and lifestyle support to suppress joint inflammation, prevent joint damage, achieve sustained remission, and restore full function in patients with RA.
Overview
Key Benefits
Discover the advantages of choosing our rheumatoid arthritis management services.
Treat-to-target approach achieves remission in 40 to 60% of patients with optimised therapy
Early intensive treatment prevents joint erosion and disability of undertreated RA
Biologic therapy reduces radiographic damage progression even when clinical remission is incomplete
Joint protection education preserves daily function alongside medication
Remission on optimised therapy allows planned DMARD step-down in sustained responders
Clinical Features
The technology, techniques and clinical approach behind our rheumatoid arthritis management.
DAS28 score calculated at every appointment -- the objective driver of all treatment decisions
Blood monitoring prevents DMARD toxicity from going undetected
Ultrasound-guided joint injection targets individual active joints with precision
Biologic therapy initiated promptly when conventional DMARD targets are not met
Pre-biologic screening for TB and hepatitis prevents reactivation
Preparation Instructions
Take all DMARDs consistently without missing doses -- irregular use reduces efficacy and increases flare risk. Attend all blood monitoring appointments. Do not take live vaccines while on biologic therapy. Contact your rheumatology team for any fever, significant infection, or sudden severe joint flare. Stop smoking completely -- it reduces DMARD response and accelerates joint damage.
The Procedure
Step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your rheumatoid arthritis management procedure.
DAS28 Scoring and Joint Assessment
The 28-joint disease activity score is calculated at every appointment by counting and grading swollen and tender joints combined with CRP and patient global assessment -- providing the objective disease activity score driving all treatment decisions.
Blood Tests and DMARD Monitoring
CRP ESR FBC LFTs and renal function are reviewed. Blood monitoring ensures DMARD safety -- methotrexate requires monthly LFTs and FBC. Treatment is adjusted based on both the DAS28 score and blood results.
Intra-Articular Injection for Active Joints
Individual joints remaining active despite systemic therapy receive targeted ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection -- providing rapid local relief and reducing systemic steroid exposure.
DMARD Escalation to Biologic Therapy
When DAS28 remains above 3.2 despite adequate conventional DMARD trial biologic therapy is initiated after pre-treatment screening for TB hepatitis B/C and HIV.
Joint Protection Education
Occupational therapist referral for joint protection techniques activity modification splints and adaptive equipment preserves joint function alongside pharmacological disease control.
Remission Review and Step-Down
When DAS28 below 2.6 is sustained for 12 months cautious dose reduction of DMARDs is considered maintaining the minimum effective dose and monitoring closely for flare.
What to Expect
Your rheumatologist performs a 28-joint disease activity assessment (DAS28), reviews blood tests, and checks for drug toxicity through full blood count, liver function, and kidney function monitoring. Treatment is intensified if remission has not been achieved by the target date. Joint injections may be performed at the appointment for actively inflamed individual joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about rheumatoid arthritis management.
Related Services
Explore other services in our Rheumatology department.
Osteoporosis Assessment and Treatment
Gout and Crystal Arthropathy
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Management
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step towards better health.