When to Call Your Rheumatologist About RA Symptoms

When to Call Your Rheumatologist About Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation and pain. While some RA flare-ups can be managed at home, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention from your rheumatologist.

Knowing when to call your doctor ensures you get timely treatment and prevents complications. Here are six key signs its time to contact your rheumatologist.

1. Sudden Onset of Severe Pain

Because RA is characterized by flares and remissions, some increase in joint pain is expected. However, sudden severe or unbearable pain requires a call to your rheumatologist right away, especially if it restricts mobility.

This level of intense pain could indicate a rheumatoid nodule has ruptured or damage to a joint or bone. Quick treatment reduces risk of further injury and permanent impairment.

2. Joint Redness, Heat or Extreme Swelling

While joints affected by RA are often swollen, rapid swelling along with increased warmth and redness signals an acute flare needing prompt attention. Severe swelling can permanently damage joints.

Call your doctor if swelling and inflammation appear widespread, affect multiple limbs, or limit joint function. Urgent anti-inflammatory and disease-modifying drugs may be needed.

3. Sudden Fever or Rash

A fever over 100.4F (38C) or the sudden appearance of a rash requires a call to your rheumatologist right away. A fever may signal an infection, which can be life-threatening if it spreads to your joints.

Certain rashes could indicate vasculitis, an RA-related inflammation of blood vessels. Early treatment helps prevent complications like organ damage.

4. Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain

Chest tightness, pain, or difficulty breathing warrants an immediate call to your doctor. While these symptoms are not directly related to joints, they may signal heart conditions that require emergency care.

RA can increase cardiovascular risk. Report any heart-related symptoms so your rheumatologist can rule out dangerous issues like pericarditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

5. New Neurological Symptoms

Tingling, numbness, weakness in the limbs or face, dizziness, and problems with vision or balance are neurological signs to report to your rheumatologist right away.

These could be early symptoms of cervical spine subluxation, a shifting of the vertebrae that compress the spinal cord. Prompt treatment helps prevent permanent damage.

6. Difficulty Swallowing or Breathing

RA can sometimes affect connective tissues in the neck and throat, leading to swelling that constricts airways. Call your doctor immediately if you experience choking, wheezing, shortness of breath, or inability to swallow.

If untreated, throat swelling has potential to become life-threatening. Corticosteroids help resolve airway constriction rapidly.

Symptoms to Discuss at Your Next Appointment

While not medical emergencies, certain symptoms warrant a conversation at your next rheumatology visit. Monitoring these issues ensures prompt treatment if they worsen.

Mild Fever Low-Grade Fevers

A slightly elevated temperature between 99-100F (37.2-37.7C) may not require an urgent call but should be reported at your next appointment. Low-grade fevers hint at inflammation brewing.

Increased Fatigue

Fatigue and exhaustion are common with RA flare-ups. However, a sudden dramatic increase in tiredness, weakness, or sleep needs could mean increased disease activity. Make a note to discuss it with your doctor.

Ongoing Morning Stiffness

Waking up stiff is expected with RA. But if morning joint stiffness lasts over an hour consistently and doesnt improve with movement, it may signal a need for medication adjustments to better control inflammation.

New Lumps or Bumps

RA nodules often develop under the skin, particularly around pressure points like the elbow. Inform your doctor of any new bumps or lumps so they can be monitored and treated if bothersome.

Vision Changes

Dryness, light sensitivity, blurry vision or eye pain should be evaluated by your rheumatologist to determine if RA is affecting the eyes so preventive medication can be provided if needed.

Mouth Sores

Oral ulcers that develop on the gums or tongue may be indicative of secondary Sjogrens syndrome. Let your doctor know so they can manage mouth dryness and prevent complications.

Hair Loss

Significant new hair shedding or thinning could be related to autoimmune activity and warrants a discussion with your doctor to identify any nutritional issues or needs for treatment adjustments.

Skin Changes

Inform your rheumatologist about any abnormal skin issues like new rashes, increased itching or appearance changes. Some may be medication related while others could hint at an underlying problem needing evaluation.

Mental Fogginess

Trouble concentrating, confusion, memory problems and difficulty thinking clearly are vague RA symptoms worth mentioning to your doctor, as they may indicate a complication needing assessment.

At Home Care for Mild Flare Symptoms

For mild to moderate flares that arent emergencies, there are things you can do at home to help ease symptoms until your next rheumatology visit.

Use Cold or Hot Packs

Cold packs reduce inflammation swelling while hot packs soothe stiff, achy joints. Use whichever feels best, but avoid direct skin contact longer than 20 minutes.

Try Over-The-Counter Anti-Inflammatories

Medications like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin can temporarily relieve mild RA pain and swelling when used as directed.

Adjust Activity Levels

Balance rest and lower intensity activities to avoid overexerting tender joints while staying mobile. Switch stressful joints exercises with gentler stretching.

Utilize Assistive Devices

Braces, splints, canes and jar openers take pressure off inflamed joints to minimize pain and prevent further damage.

Apply Topical Pain Relievers

Creams containing menthol, capsaicin or other analgesics lightly numb and soothe joint discomfort when applied to skin.

Massage Affected Muscles

Gentle massage increases blood flow and warms tissues to alleviate stiffness, achiness and muscle spasms around painful joints.

Manage Stress Levels

Anxiety and emotional turmoil can worsen RA inflammation. Try relaxing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or enjoyable hobbies.

Get Plenty of Rest

Listen to your bodys needs and get extra sleep during flares. Proper rest keeps symptoms from escalating further and speeds healing.

Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet high in fish, vegetables, olive oil and antioxidants may ease RA symptoms. Avoid highly processed foods.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and decaffeinated fluids. Dehydration can exacerbate RA pain and fatigue.

Dont Delay Calling Your Rheumatologist

While home remedies help manage mild flares, its crucial to promptly contact your doctor about any severe or concerning RA symptoms. Early treatment intervention prevents permanent joint damage and disability.

Your rheumatology team wants to help minimize flare intensity and achieve optimal symptom control. Dont tough it out - call your doctors office with any worrisome changes.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.