RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis does not have a single cause. It develops from a combination of immune, genetic, and lifestyle factors, which together trigger abnormal inflammation in the joints. Common triggers include: 

Women are more frequently affected, likely due to hormonal and immune system differences.

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly develops between ages 40 and 60 when many people are still actively working and caring for family.

Genetic predisposition can increase susceptibility to autoimmune conditions.

Smoking disrupts immune regulation and is linked to more severe disease. 

Additional joint stress and inflammatory activity may worsen symptoms.

Symptoms vary from person to person and may fluctuate over time. 

• Knee Pain and Swelling: Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that typically starts in small joints (fingers, feet) before progressing to major joints like the knees, hips, elbows, and neck. The disease can also damage organs including the heart, lungs, eyes, skin, and nerves. 
• Joint Stiffness: Morning stiffness in the knee joints can last several hours, affecting daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, bending, or getting in and out of cars. 
• Systemic Symptoms: Early signs include fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fever alongside joint inflammation. 

If your pain persists, worsens, or spreads to multiple joints, it's best to have it assessed by a rheumatoid arthritis specialist. 

• Pharmacological Treatment: Our doctors will prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.  Another newly developed class of medication known as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are also used to manage the condition. Some of these drugs are also known as biologics drugs (e.g. tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors).
• Physical Therapy: Physiotherapists provide therapy sessions involving both aerobic and resistance training to reduce pain and improve function. We offer individualized physical therapy plans, as each RA patient requires a careful balance between activity and rest—too much activity can trigger flares, while being stationary for long periods can worsen joint deformity and stiffness.
• Supportive Devices: Knee braces  may be used temporarily to limit movement and provide stability. This can effectively reduce pain and protect inflamed joints during activities, helping you maintain function while managing symptoms.
• Knee Supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen have been used to support joint health and address cartilage degradation.

If your symptoms do not improve or continue to interfere with movement, minimally invasive procedures can target the real source of pain without the need for open surgery. At Singapore Paincare, we offer precise procedures designed to relieve pain at its origin. 

Precise injections containing local anaesthetic, anti-inflammatory medication, or low-dose corticosteroid delivered directly into the affected joint. These injections work quickly to reduce pain and swelling, providing relief within days. By controlling inflammation early, these injections allow you to begin rehabilitation and physical therapy sooner, helping you regain function and mobility more effectively.

For rheumatoid arthritis, PRP targets areas of inflammation, helping to reduce swelling and stimulate tissue repair. This treatment is particularly effective for ligament injuries, torn meniscus, and managing inflammation caused by the overactive immune system in RA. 

Surgery is reserved as a last resort for severe RA pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.

For patients with advanced RA, surgical procedures may help restore some joint function and reduce pain. Common surgical options include:

• Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed joint lining to reduce pain and swelling
• Joint Replacement (Arthroplasty): In late-stage RA, total knee or hip replacement may be necessary to address severe joint destruction and deformity arthroplasties

While rheumatoid arthritis cannot be fully prevented, certain habits can help reduce flare-ups and protect joint health: 

• Stop smoking 
• Maintain a healthy body weight 
• Stay physically active with appropriate exercise 
• Eat a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D 
• Limit alcohol intake 
• Maintain good oral health 

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) can feel similar, as both cause joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility—but they behave very differently.

RA pain is not activity-related. It is often constant throughout the day and does not improve with rest. Morning stiffness may ease slightly, but some stiffness usually remains. RA commonly affects small joints and may also present as a single painful, swollen joint, such as the knee. OA pain, in contrast, is usually linked to joint use, worsening with standing or walking and improving with rest.

RA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing ongoing inflammation and potential joint damage. Because RA can also affect other organs, long-term treatment and regular monitoring are important.

At Singapore Paincare, our Painostic® method goes beyond treating symptoms. We identify the real source of discomfort and create an individualised, minimally invasive plan—so you can move comfortably and confidently again.