Denver Arthritis Center offers referred infusion care for new patients | Learn More
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel overwhelming. The pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints make everyday tasks harder than they should be. Opening a jar. Buttoning a shirt. Even getting out of bed in the morning. You're dealing with more than physical pain. There's the emotional weight of wondering if things will get worse.
Here's what you need to know: Rheumatoid arthritis doesn't have to control your life. With the right treatment, many people see real improvement and get back to doing what they love.
At Denver Arthritis Clinic, we've been helping people manage rheumatoid arthritis since 1976. Our experienced specialists understand what you're going through. We create personalized treatment plans that work for your specific situation, combining medications, advanced therapies, and practical pain management strategies. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with this condition for years, we'll help you find the relief you're looking for.
Ready to take control of your symptoms? Schedule your appointment with our team today.
Rheumatoid arthritis happens when your immune system gets confused and attacks your own body. Instead of fighting off germs, it targets the lining of your joints. This causes swelling, pain, and stiffness that can make daily life difficult.
Unlike regular arthritis that comes from wear and tear over the years, rheumatoid arthritis can affect people at any age. It often hits multiple joints at the same time, usually on both sides of your body.
The most common symptoms include pain and swelling in your hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Many people notice their joints feel especially stiff in the morning. It might take an hour or more before they start to loosen up. You might also feel deeply tired, even after a full night's sleep. That fatigue is real. It's not just normal tiredness. Some people develop small, firm bumps under their skin near affected joints.
If you've been dealing with these symptoms for more than six weeks, it's time to see a specialist. The earlier we catch rheumatoid arthritis, the better we can protect your joints from permanent damage.
Doctors don't fully understand what triggers rheumatoid arthritis, but we know several things increase your risk. Your genes play a role. If someone in your family has it, you're more likely to develop it too. Smoking makes a big difference. It significantly raises your chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis and can make symptoms worse.
Women get rheumatoid arthritis more often than men. Hormones might explain why. Some research suggests that certain infections could trigger the condition in people who are already at risk because of their genes.
The good news? Effective treatment makes a real difference. We can't cure rheumatoid arthritis, but we can help you manage your symptoms, slow down the disease, and protect your joints. Many of our patients stay active and enjoy their lives despite the diagnosis.
Your treatment plan depends on several things. How severe are your symptoms? Which joints are affected? How do you respond to different treatments? At Denver Arthritis Clinic, we take time to understand your unique situation. We'll review your medical history, do a thorough exam, and may order blood tests or X-rays to see exactly what's happening.
Most people start with medications that calm down the overactive immune system. These are called disease-modifying drugs. They work to reduce swelling and slow down joint damage. Common options include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfasalazine, and leflunomide. These medications have been helping people manage rheumatoid arthritis for decades.
Some patients need stronger treatment. That's where infusion therapy comes in. Instead of taking pills, you receive medication directly into your bloodstream through an IV. This targeted approach often works better for people who haven't gotten enough relief from regular medications.
The infusion medications we offer include:
Each medication works a bit differently to target swelling and protect your joints. Your rheumatoid arthritis specialist will help you figure out which one makes the most sense based on your symptoms, medical history, and insurance coverage .
Our infusion center focuses on your comfort. We keep a 3:1 nurse-to-patient ratio, so you get plenty of personal attention. Doctors are always on site. You'll relax in oversized recliners with wireless internet, and we provide healthy snacks and drinks. We also handle the complicated insurance paperwork and help you find copay assistance programs. As an outpatient center, we typically cost less than hospital-based infusion services.
When specific joints need extra help, we can provide targeted injections right where you need them. These include steroid (cortisone) injections that quickly reduce swelling and pain, or viscosupplement injections that add cushioning to your joints. We use ultrasound guidance when needed to make sure the medication goes exactly where it should. Many patients find that these injections give them the relief they need to stay active.
Living with rheumatoid arthritis presents challenges, but you don't have to face them alone. Our team has helped thousands of patients find relief and maintain active, fulfilling lives despite their diagnosis. We've been doing this since 1976, and we've learned that personalized care makes all the difference. No two patients are exactly alike, which is why we take time to understand your specific situation and develop a treatment plan that works for your life, not just your lab results.
We also participate in clinical research studies [Clinical Research] that help expand treatment options for people with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. If you're interested in learning more about research opportunities, we're happy to discuss whether any current studies might be a good fit for you.
“Regular” arthritis, called osteoarthritis , comes from wear and tear on your joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means your immune system attacks your joints by mistake. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects both sides of your body at the same time, like both wrists or both knees, while osteoarthritis might only hit one knee or one hip. Another key difference is timing. Rheumatoid arthritis can happen at any age, but osteoarthritis usually shows up later in life. The treatments are different, too, which is why seeing a specialist who understands the different kinds of arthritis matters so much.
The main symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints, especially in your hands, wrists, knees, and feet. Many people notice severe morning stiffness that lasts an hour or more. You might feel deeply tired even after sleeping well. Some people get small bumps under their skin near affected joints. If these symptoms last more than six weeks, see a specialist. Early treatment gives us the best chance to prevent permanent joint damage.
Your doctor will help you figure this out. We usually consider infusion therapy when regular pills haven't given you enough relief, or when your symptoms are really affecting your daily life. During your visit, we'll look at your medical history, current symptoms, past treatments, and insurance coverage. If infusion therapy makes sense for you, we'll explain exactly what to expect, including how often you'll need treatments and what side effects to watch for.
Yes, most insurance plans cover rheumatoid arthritis treatment. That includes office visits, medications, and infusion therapy. We accept health plans from most Colorado insurance companies, including Medicare.
For infusion therapy, we also help you find copay programs that lower your costs. As an outpatient center, we usually cost less than hospitals, which means lower bills for you and your insurance company.