Visit Opt Ortho for Physician Recommended ProductsLearn More

Texas Orthopedics
(512) 439-1000
(512) 439-1000
  • Online Bill Pay
  • Patient Portal
  • Schedule An Appointment
  • Refer A Patient
  • CAREERS
(512) 439-1000
  • Online Bill Pay
  • Patient Portal
  • Schedule An Appointment
  • Refer A Patient
  • CAREERS

Texas Orthopedics

  • Home
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Specialties
  • Resources
  • Contact

The Future of Rheumatoid Arthritis Management and Treatment

April 28, 2021Filed Under: Arthritis Tagged With: arthritis treatment, Dr. Joseph Martinez, Dr. Robert Koval, JAK inhibitors, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment is constantly evolving, with researchers working to find new therapies to relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

With the right treatment plan, many patients have controlled symptoms and no signs of active disease.

Texas Orthopedics board certified rheumatologist Dr. Robert Koval and Dr. Joseph Martinez discuss the latest advancements of rheumatoid arthritis treatment on Medical News Today.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) have been the traditional choice of treatment for RA. Methotrexate is a type of DMARD commonly used that suppresses the overactive immune system as a whole. Biologics are considered a targeted DMARD that target specific parts of the immune system to block inflammation.

The latest FDA-approved RA medication is Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors block the immune system pathway from creating certain enzymes that can lead to RA. There are currently three JAK inhibitors approved for treating RA.

According to Dr. Koval, “Upacitinib (Rinvoq) is a relatively new JAK inhibitor, which has shown good success in head-to-head trials versus other well-established biologic drugs.”

Dr. Koval and Dr. Martinez both use JAK inhibitors to treat patients and have found them to be an effective treatment option.

“The drugs differ based on which specific JAK molecules they inhibit, and we have yet to identify which target is superior,” added Dr. Koval.

Dr. Koval adds “there are many new mechanisms of action being studied right now that have the potential to change the RA treatment landscape as well.”

Individualized Treatment Plans for Rheumatoid Arthritis

As more RA treatments become available to patients, rheumatologists can continue to fine tune individualized approaches to treatment.

“Developing a treatment plan must be individualized to every patient with RA,” explained Dr. Martinez.

Dr. Koval agrees. “Treatment strategies remain extremely individualized based on patient desires, characteristics, and comorbidities.”

With so much research and funding currently available on rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatologists must constantly analyze the data and keep up to date on the latest developments.

“We can identify which therapies perhaps work better than others, Dr. Koval explains.

“We are also able to identify certain side effects or nuances with certain drugs that make them more or less appropriate for individual patients.”

“Current research has provided evidence for [the] use of additional treatment options when first-line pharmacologic agents prove inadequate for a patient,” Dr. Koval says.  “In these circumstances, using a treatment that affects different biologic pathways has shown to be an effective approach in my clinical practice.”

When will there be a cure for RA?

There is no cure for arthritis, but with continued research and technology, there is hope for the future.

“Seeing how far we have come with RA in just the [past] 30 years, it makes me encouraged that we will one day find a cure,” Dr. Koval says. “Science and technology [have] advanced considerably in this field, and I am excited at what the future may bring.”

Dr. Martinez feels more cautiously optimistic. “It is not clear if or when we will have a ‘cure’ for RA,” he stated. “There is significant research going on to better help us understand the causes and mechanisms that lead to RA, perhaps helping us reach that lofty goal in the future.”

Natural therapies for rheumatoid arthritis

Patients may look for other options outside of prescription medications to manage their symptoms. Rheumatologist often encourage patients to try therapies outside of the normal medical scope to relieve pain.

“Patients will try many different ‘natural’ modalities to help with pain,” said Dr. Koval. “Various supplements, including turmeric, omega-3s, and CBD oil, have shown some success.”

Dr. Martinez also explained that “regular low impact exercise can be important for strengthening the joint and maintaining good range of motion, which can be very helpful in RA.”

Dr. Koval added that his patients often use “light exercise such as yoga or Pilates, combined with a regular stretching routine,” to help with pain management.

In addition to aerobic and strength-building routines to help reduce RA pain and increase range of motion, Dr. Koval also recommends behavioral or cognitive therapy for those who may benefit from it.

Read the entire Medical News Today article here.

Texas Orthopedics Rheumatology Services

To learn more about Texas Orthopedics rheumatology services including our on-site infusion centers at the Cedar Park and Kyle locations, call (512) 439-1000.

 

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailCan Diet Impact My Arthritis? low impact exercise arthritisWeight Lifting and Arthritis Ways to Manage Arthritis Pain and Stiffness Default Thumbnail4 Fast Facts about Arthritis for Arthritis Awareness Month

Filed Under: Arthritis Tagged With: arthritis treatment, Dr. Joseph Martinez, Dr. Robert Koval, JAK inhibitors, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Primary Sidebar

Categories

Arthritis
General
Rheumatology
Sports Medicine
Spine
Shoulder/Elbow
Hand/Wrist
Hip
Knee
Foot/Ankle

Follow

    

Popular Blog

OrthoLoneStar Announces Executive Leadership Changes

New Leander Office!

Footer

    Blog Post by Category

  • Arthritis
  • General
  • Rheumatology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Spine
  • Shoulder/Elbow
  • Hand/Wrist
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Foot/Ankle
  • TX Ortho News

    News and Blog

Patient Education

From orthopedic injuries to physical therapy, our patient education library explains many of the conditions and treatments you may want to read about. Learn More

Patient Stories

Our doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and professional staff are what truly make Texas Orthopedics so great. See what our patients are saying about us. Learn More

Why Choose TX Ortho

Why Choose TX Ortho Learn More
  • Services
  • General Orthopedics
  • Sports Medicine
  • Spine Care
  • Joint Replacement
  • Trauma and Fracture Management
  • Physical Therapy
  • Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG & NCS)
  • Imaging Services
  • Infusion Therapy
  • Surgery Center
  • Pediatrics
  • Telemedicine
  • Specialties
  • Hand & Wrist
  • Elbow
  • Shoulder
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Foot & Ankle
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Rheumatology
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Locations
  • Patient Education
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Testimonials
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Refer a Patient
  • Careers
  • TX Ortho News
  • Patient Login
  • Online Bill Pay

Doctors

  • › W. Parker Abblitt, MD
  • › Abed Abdelaziz, MD
  • › Robert E. Blais, MD
  • › Kenneth Bunch, MD
  • › Christopher M. Danney, MD
  • › Robert A. Foster, MD
  • › Peter M. Garcia Jr., MD
  • › Brian T. Hardy, MD
  • › Austin D. Hill, MD
  • › Vishal Kancherla, DO
  • › Robert J. Koval Jr., MD
  • › Kamen Kutzarov, MD
  • › David C. Laverty, MD
  • › Zachariah Logan, MD
  • › Michael D. Loeb, MD
  • › Joseph R. Martinez, MD
  • › Benjamin A. McArthur, MD
  • › John E. McDonald Jr., MD
  • › Ai Mukai, MD
  • › O. Atilla Onan, MD
  • › Mark S. Parrella, MD
  • › J.P. Rodriguez, MD
  • › Claire Ryan, MD
  • › Vilas Saldanha, MD
  • › Blake Schultz, MD
  • › W. Randall Schultz, MD
  • › Scott A. Smith, MD
  • › J. Brannan Smoot, MD
  • › Joseph H. Snowden, DPM
  • › Jason R. Somogyi, MD
  • › Daniel T. Stewart, MD
  • › Kristopher G. Stockton, MD
  • › Ryan M. Taylor, MD
  • › Ryan M. Tibbetts, MD
  • › Blake Turvey, MD
  • › Todd Walker, MD
  • › Greg L. Westmoreland, MD

INFORMATION ABOUT THE NO SURPRISES ACT AND GOOD FAITH ESTIMATES

Copyright © Texas Orthopedics, All rights reserved.

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

Texas Orthopedics provides comprehensive orthopedic care by offering on-site X-ray, MRIs, bone density scans, physical and occupational therapy, general orthopedic services, sports medicine, spine care, joint replacement, fracture and trauma care, infusion therapy, and a Joint Commission-accredited outpatient surgery center. In addition to orthopedic surgeons, we have physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists at our locations in Kyle, Round Rock, Lakeway, Northwest Austin, Leander, Central Austin, and South Austin, TX.