Orthopedic Associates of Meadville has been helping patients for over 43 years and we would like to welcome you to our website! We hope you find our website helpful when searching for information about our practice and your healthcare needs.
Our patients are very important to us and we want you to have the best possible experience while you are under our care. We are confident that you will find our five fellowship trained surgeons, physician assistants, and staff dedicated to providing quality patient care. We look forward to serving you.
OAM News: Dr. Jeffrey Abbott using first knee implant lab tested for 30 simulated years of wear performance - additional information is available at http://rediscoveryourgo.com/ or 1-888-825-2062. Dr. Abbott now offers extended hours for your convenience.
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DR. FRNDAK – RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease is when the body’s defense system malfunctions and begins to attack itself.
Typically RA affects smaller joints first such as the ones in your hands and feet. Eventually it can progress to other joints. RA is more common in women than men and can start developing as early as age 20. Symptoms of RA include pain and swelling in and around joints as well as tenderness to touch, redness, and morning stiffness. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA can affect other parts of the body beyond joints. Firm bumps under the skin called rheumatoid nodules occur in 20% - 30% of RA patients. Other parts of the body that can be affected by RA are the lungs, eyes, and blood vessels.
Unfortunately there is not a cure for RA. Treatment goals are to relieve its symptoms and slow or prevent joint damage. This includes anti-inflammatory pain relievers like NSAID, a healthy diet, exercise and injection therapy. Speak to your doctor to determine the best treatment options for your condition.
