Rheumatoid Arthritis Services
Over 43 million Americans have arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America. One in six people in the United States has arthritis, a condition that affects the joints and connective tissues causing chronic pain and loss of movement.
The Bone and Joint Center offers a specialty program for rheumatoid arthritis. The Rheumatoid Arthritis Service provides health care, support, and information to optimize the health, comfort, and productivity for individuals with:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus
- Psoriatic arthropathy
- Reiter's Syndrome
- Sjogren's Syndrome
Physicians with the Rheumatoid Arthritis Service work closely with the Arthritis Foundation's Washington/Alaska Chapter and with other UW specialists to provide information on the latest medical and surgical treatment methods.
Nationally-Recognized Program
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Service is a component of UW Medical Center's Bone and Joint Center, which is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the top program of its kind in the western half of the United States.
Our physicians and research programs lead the way in developing new, more effective methods of evaluating and treating patients.
Our Approach
Our team includes rheumatologists, reconstructive orthopaedic surgeons, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, and other professionals specializing in arthritis management. Support groups and social services play key roles in our comprehensive program.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Service is closely coupled with the UW's arthritis research programs, giving patients access to the latest treatment developments.
Recent advances in medical treatments for rheumatoid arthritis have greatly enhanced opportunities to control the disease and allow pain-free lives. Our specialized medical services include individualized medication programs to reduce inflammation and induce remission as well as an interdisciplinary approach with rheumatologists, and physical and occupational therapists to offer a customized approach in all stage phases of rheumatoid arthritis care. When surgical consultation or intervention is the best approach, our outstanding surgical staff provide specialized surgical services including the latest techniques in joint replacement surgery.