(910) 762-1182 | Facebook About Diseases Treated Medical Services News Contact Pay Bill RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory joint disease which affects 1% of the population. That means there are at least 3 million people in the United States who have rheumatoid arthritis. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but we do know that genetic and environmental factors play a role. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include swollen, painful joints and generalized stiffness especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Some patients may present with an explosive onset of multiple swollen joints initially, but the more common presentation is a slower onset of flare-ups and modest remissions over many months with a gradual decline in function associated with increasing joint symptoms. The most common joints involved are the small joints of the hands and feet as well as the wrists, however any joint may be involved. A diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is made by an experienced rheumatologist who listens carefully to your history, performs a detailed physical exam with special interest in your joints, and then also reviews laboratories and x-ray findings including special tests called rheumatoid factors and CCP antibodies. Your rheumatologist will then devise a treatment strategy for you. Emphasis on treating your symptoms of joint pain and swelling as well as preventing deformity and disability is important. You may require a number of medications to reduce inflammation and prevent joint destruction as part of your treatment plan. Newer therapies over the last fifteen years have changed peoples’ lives with rheumatoid arthritis. Complete remissions are now more common place where in the past these were not. Aggressive early intervention is a key principal of treatment in this day and time. Methotrexate Methotrexate has been used for over 30 years as the foundation of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. It can frequently make people feel much better but may not prevent long-term joint destruction. Newer medications called biologics have been used in combination with methotrexate to bring about improvement in symptoms, prevent joint destruction, and keep patients living normal productive lives. Rheumatologists are experts at using these medications and monitoring for potential side effects. The outlook is much brighter for patients with rheumatoid arthritis these days thanks to significant he answered truthfully he is improvements in therapies. DEC 1, 2020 Seven Tips for Balancing Arthritis Care with Holiday Cheer The holidays are officially here, and I don’t think we have ever been so excited for a fresh new holiday season! The holidays provide a unique opportunity to spend quality time with family, take some time off of work, revel in some downtime, and celebrate traditions. However, while this can be a joyous time, it […] Read More » NOV 2, 2020 An Arthritis-Friendly Home Makeover When you have arthritis, stiffness, pain, and swelling can make everyday tasks much more challenging. In addition, your mobility can be compromised by this chronic condition, so it’s crucial to set up your home for maximum ease and comfort. Fortunately, you can make life easier and your home more functional. Start with this room-by-room approach […] Read More » JUN 7, 2020 Eight Walking Strategies for Those That Suffer from Arthritis For those who have arthritis, exercise is excellent medicine. Low impact exercise eases joint pain, fights off fatigue, and can cause your body to release endorphins that help relieve pain and improve mindset. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to active, try walking. And there is no better time to get started […] Read More » APPOINTMENTS Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your first appointment and plan to be in the office for 2 hours. Please bring the following items with you: Insurance card(s) Co-pay and/or coinsurance payment - cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover Completed System Review Form Signed Payment Policy Signed HIPAA Consent/Authorization Signed Acknowledgement of Privacy Practices/Assignment of Benefits Completed Patient Registration Current medication bottles/ Medical Records from other physicians PATIENT FORMS New Patient Packet Download, view and complete our New Patient Packet DOWNLOAD PACKET Patient System Review Download, view and complete the Patient System Review Form DOWNLOAD PACKET Release Authorization Form Download, view and complete our Release Authorization Form DOWNLOAD PACKET CONTACT Carolina Arthritis 1710 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 tel. 910.762.1182 fax 910.762.1291 Hours of Operation M - Th. 8:00 am - 4:30pm GET DIRECTIONS OUR MEDICAL SERVICES BONE DENSITOMETRY INFUSIONS LABORATORY MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND CLINICAL RESEARCH X-RAYS VIEW SERVICES OUR TREATMENTS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS OSTEOPOROSIS VASCULITIS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS GOUT SJOGREN’S SYNDROME SCLERODERMA SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS INSIDE CAROLINA ARTHRITIS Since its founding in 1991, Carolina Arthritis Associates has been leading the way in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune illnesses and osteoporosis. 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