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585-442-1980
Dedicated to improving your present and future health - Since 1985
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Current Rheumatoid Arthritis Studies
Below is a summary of our current Rheumatoid Arthritis trials. If you are interested in learning more, simply click on the trial's name to answer a few qualifying questions and request a contact by our research staff:Rheumatoid Arthritis SOAR Study Are you living with rheumatoid arthritis? If so, you know how it can adversely impact your life with stiff, painful and inflamed joints, to fatigue and weight loss. You have the opportunity to join a research study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Xeljanz (tofacitinib) with or without methotrexate. Xelijanz and methotrexate are approved for RA treatment in the United States by the FDA. Study lasts 13 months with only 9 visits to our office. All study related care is provided by an arthritis specialist. Study-related procedures including blood tests, EKGs and chest x-rays are provided at no charge. Reimbursement may be provided for time and travel expenses. See if you qualify |
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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It occurs when the immune system, which normally
defends the body from invading organisms, turns its attack against the membrane lining the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis has several features that make it different from other kinds of arthritis (See "Features of Arthritis" below). For example, rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is also. The disease often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand. It can also affect other parts of the body besides the joints. In addition, people with rheumatoid arthritis may have fatigue, occasional fevers, and a general sense of not feeling well.
The course of Rheumatoid Arthritis can range from mild to severe. In most cases it is chronic, meaning it lasts a long time—often a lifetime. For many people, periods of relatively mild disease activity are punctuated by flares, or times of heightened disease activity. In others, symptoms are constant.
Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis
defends the body from invading organisms, turns its attack against the membrane lining the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis has several features that make it different from other kinds of arthritis (See "Features of Arthritis" below). For example, rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is also. The disease often affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand. It can also affect other parts of the body besides the joints. In addition, people with rheumatoid arthritis may have fatigue, occasional fevers, and a general sense of not feeling well.
The course of Rheumatoid Arthritis can range from mild to severe. In most cases it is chronic, meaning it lasts a long time—often a lifetime. For many people, periods of relatively mild disease activity are punctuated by flares, or times of heightened disease activity. In others, symptoms are constant.
Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- Symmetrical pattern of affected joints
- Joint inflammation often affecting the wrist and finger joints closest to the hand
- Joint inflammation sometimes affecting other joints, including the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet
- Fatigue, occasional fevers, a general sense of not feeling well
- Pain and stiffness lasting for more than 30 minutes in the morning or after a long rest
- Symptoms that last for many years
- Variability of symptoms among people with the disease