Rheumatoid arthritis

Omar Saleem, MD, MsPT

Dr. Omar Saleem is highly experienced in managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Dr. Saleem offers personalized care for patients with RA, focusing on reducing pain, preventing joint damage, and improving quality of life through both non-surgical and surgical options.

Comprehensive Diagnosis and Evaluation

Dr. Saleem utilizes a thorough diagnostic process, including a review of medical history, physical examinations, blood tests, and advanced imaging like X-rays or MRIs to accurately assess the severity of the condition. He carefully monitors disease progression to adjust treatment plans as necessary.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For most RA patients, Dr. Saleem begins with non-surgical interventions, which may include:

Medications: Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and other medications to control inflammation and slow disease progression.
Physical Therapy: Tailored exercise programs to maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and strengthen surrounding muscles.
Joint Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections to manage pain and inflammation, providing relief for affected joints.
Lifestyle Modifications: Guidance on diet, activity modifications, and stress management to support overall health and well-being.

Surgical Options

For patients with severe joint damage or deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Saleem provides advanced surgical solutions, including:

Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed joint tissue to relieve pain and improve joint function.
Joint Fusion (Arthrodesis): Fusing bones to reduce pain and stabilize joints that are severely damaged.
Joint Replacement Surgery: Total or partial joint replacements, particularly for the knees, hips, and shoulders, to restore mobility and function in advanced cases of RA.