Juvenile Arthritis

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Juvenile Arthritis, also known as pediatric rheumatic disease, is an umbrella term describing inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children under 16 years.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

Jamaica Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center provides a wide range of pediatric services. If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, you can make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Arthritis Awareness Month. The month serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the complex family of debilitating diseases.

An estimated 58.5 million adults in the U.S. are affected by some form of arthritis, accounting for about 23.7% of the population. As the number of older Americans continues to grow, and the rate of obesity and overweight increases, the number of people with arthritis-attributable activity limitations will only increase.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, especially amongst older people. OA mostly affects cartilage by breaking down its surface. As cartilage wears away, bones rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Over time, these changes can affect the bones, tendons, and other joint tissues.

Other types of arthritis include:

Rheumatoid arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis

Gout

Juvenile arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis

To diagnose arthritis, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam, where they will examine the affected joints and ask about symptoms. During the healthcare provider’s examination of the joints, they will check their range of motion and compare them to other, similar joints.

A healthcare provider may also use imaging tests to take pictures of the joints. Imaging tests include:

X-ray

CT scan

Ultrasound

These tests help the healthcare provider see potential damage inside the joints. These tests also help them rule out any injuries or conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as broken bones.

A healthcare provider may also use blood tests to check uric acid levels if they suspect gout. Blood tests can also show any signs of autoimmune diseases or infections.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, joint pain and other OA symptoms can be managed through treatment, lifestyle changes, and education. The most common treatments for arthritis include:

Physical therapy or occupational therapy

Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicine, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen

Corticosteroids

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Surgical procedures such as joint fusion or joint replacement

Arthritis Awareness Month is a time to emphasize research, service, and education about arthritis and raise funds to support the cause. The best way to get involved is by helping raise awareness for this public health priority.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is proud to serve the local community, and our patients value our person-centered, compassionate approach. Our friendly staff is standing by to answer any questions you might have. For further information on consultation, diagnosis, and treatments, contact us at 718-206-6742 or 718-206-7001 to make an appointment.

Health Benefits of Tai Chi

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health is a progressive approach to healthcare in which leading treatment services offered by modern medicine are combined with a deep understanding of the nature of illness, healing, and wellness.

This approach combines modern and holistic medicines to help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients at the center of a treatment plan that considers their physical, emotional, and social needs.

A treatment plan that accomplishes this is tai chi. Tai chi has been a tenet of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries. Sometimes called meditation in motion, tai chi is a series of exercises that help bring harmony between the body’s energy and mind, by using slow, highly coordinated movements and physical postures with meditation and controlled breathing, aimed to energize and balance the body’s energy, known as qi, pronounced “chi”. According to traditional Chinese principles, when the qi is balanced, the body functions at its best.

Although tai chi is a low-impact exercise with movements that look leisurely, these movements are bodyweight exercises with physical demand.

There are hundreds of studies on tai chi, with researchers finding that tai chi has several benefits that may help with numerous health concerns. Here are some health benefits of tai chi:

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of death for older adults, with about one in four adults 65 years and older experiencing a fall every year. A review of ten studies on tai chi and balance found that people who practiced it had up to 50% fewer falls than those who didn’t. Both the CDC and the American Geriatric Society recognize tai chi as an effective way to lower fall risk as it helps build stability and strength, increasing balance, which helps prevent falls.

Research indicates that practicing tai chi can slow the progression of dementia by boosting cognition and brain health, as it can help with learning, memory, and other mental functions. Researchers found that older adults who practiced tai chi daily for 12 weeks had more activity in their prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for higher-level thinking skills. A study conducted by tai chi researcher and Chief of Geriatrics in the Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University, Elizabeth Eckstrom, showed that people who practiced a simple form of tai chi called Tai Ji Quan twice a week for six months improved their score on a cognitive test by one and a half points. Additionally, the study showed that if they added a cognitive challenge while practicing tai chi, such as counting backwards from 20 or spelling words backward, their scores jumped by another three points.

Tai chi can bring a sense of calmness and quiet as it focuses on breathing and movement, which takes the mind away from any stressors, helping the stress melt away. One study conducted on participants who are deemed healthy but stressed showed that practicing tai chi for 12 weeks lowered their anxiety levels substantially.

There are studies that have shown that tai chi can reduce blood pressure as well as or better than antihypertensive drugs or other types of exercise. In 2024, one randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Open Network assigned 342 people with prehypertension to two groups: one group performed four sessions of tai chi each week, and the other group performed four sessions of aerobic exercise. After a year, both groups displayed lower systolic blood pressure readings. However, the group that practiced tai chi experienced a larger decline of 7.01 mg Hg on average, compared to the aerobic group, which was 4.61 mm Hg.

According to the CDC, one in five people in the U.S. lives with chronic pain that affects their daily life and activities. One review of people with chronic knee osteoarthritis found that they had significantly less pain and better physical function after practicing tai chi. The American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation strongly recommend practicing tai chi to manage both chronic knee and hip osteoarthritis, as it helps improve muscle and core strength and coordination, leading to better joint stability. Studies have also indicated that tai chi can help people with fibromyalgia, with research showing it may relieve symptoms even better than aerobic exercise.

In 2021, a review of 23 studies by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that tai chi improved the exercise capacity, lung function, and quality of life for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to tai chi’s focus on deep abdominal breathing and movement, which can help increase breathing efficiency and oxygen intake.

Practicing tai chi can help the 10%-30% of older adults who suffer from insomnia. One systematic review of nine randomized trials published in the Journal of Sleep Disorders and Therapy reported that older adults who practiced tai chi one and a half to three hours a week significantly improved their sleep quality and had an enhanced functional ability. What’s more, Elizabeth Eckstrom’s research showed that people fell asleep 17 minutes sooner and slept 42 minutes longer after doing tai chi.

There is also other research that has linked tai chi to lower cholesterol and inflammation levels, and evidence that it may help reduce complications of Parkinson’s disease as well.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

Integrative Health: Acupuncture

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Integrative health combines modern and holistic medicines that can help prevent the onset of disease, address existing chronic conditions, and promote healing in patients.

This approach places the patient at the center of a treatment plan, considering the physical, emotional, and social needs of that individual.

Treatment plans may also include the use of conventional medicine, such as prescriptions, to manage chronic health conditions, as well as therapies and practices, such as acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles can be manually manipulated or stimulated with small electrical currents, which is called electroacupuncture.

Originating from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been in use in some form for at least 2,500 years, gaining worldwide popularity since the 1970s.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture is used as a therapeutic technique in 103 out of 129 countries that reported data.

Data from the National Health Interview Survey showed that the use of acupuncture by adults in the U.S. more than doubled between 2002 and 2022. In 2002, 1% of adults in the U.S. used acupuncture. In 2022, that percentage rose to 2.2%.

National survey data suggest that acupuncture is most used for back, joint, and neck pain in the U.S.

It isn’t fully understood how acupuncture works. However, there is evidence that shows that acupuncture may have effects on the central nervous system, effects on other body tissues, and placebo effects.

Studies done in animals and humans, including studies using imaging procedures to see what is happening in the brain, have shown that acupuncture may affect nervous system function.

Acupuncture may have direct effects on the tissues where the needles have been inserted, which has been seen in connective tissue.

Research has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial for several pain conditions, including knee pain resulting from osteoarthritis and postoperative pain. Acupuncture may also help relieve joint pain associated with the use of aromatase inhibitors, which are drugs used in people diagnosed with breast cancer.

An analysis of data from 20 studies (6,376 participants) of people with painful conditions (back pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, or headaches) showed that the beneficial effects of acupuncture continued for a year after the end of treatment for all conditions except neck pain.

Acupuncture doesn’t only treat painful conditions. It has also been studied for at least 50 other health problems. There is evidence that indicates acupuncture may help relieve seasonal allergy symptoms, stress incontinence in women, and nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment, and may also help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life in people with asthma, but it has not been shown to improve lung function.

Auricular acupuncture is a type of acupuncture that involves stimulating specific areas of the ear. Research on auricular acupuncture for chronic back pain and cancer pain has had promising results.

Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. However, complications have resulted from the use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices and requires that they be sterile and labeled for single use only.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our integrative health services, events, or classes, or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (718) 206-5675.

Reactive Arthritis

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Patrick Hercules

Reactive arthritis is a condition that occurs when the immune system reacts to an infection somewhere in the body and causes joint pain and inflammation. This infection usually starts in the digestive system, genitals, or urinary tract. Reactive arthritis usually affects the knees, ankles, and feet, but it can also cause inflammation in the eyes, skin, and urethra. Reactive arthritis is considered a form of a group of inflammatory diseases that mainly affect the spine, joints, and places where tendons and ligaments attach to bones called spondyloarthritis (SpA).

Although reactive arthritis isn’t contagious, the bacteria that cause it can spread through sex or food. Several types of bacteria can trigger reactive arthritis, including:

Chlamydia trachomatis

Clostridium difficile (C. Difficile)

Escherichia coli (E. Coli)

Campylobacter

Salmonella

Shigella

Yersinia

While only a small number of people who are exposed to these bacteria develop reactive arthritis, certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition, including:

Infection

Sex assigned at birth

Genetics

The symptoms of reactive arthritis usually start one to four weeks after a triggering infection. Common symptoms include:

Pain and stiffness

Urinary issues

Swollen toes or fingers

Eye inflammation

Inflammation of tendons and ligaments where they attach to bone

Skin issues

Lower back pain

Reactive arthritis isn’t common and usually happens for a short period of time. For most people who experience this condition, symptoms can come and go, usually disappearing within a year.

A healthcare provider can diagnose reactive arthritis with a physical exam, as they check the eyes and joints for inflammation, warmth, and tenderness, as well as the skin for rashes. They may also order blood tests, joint fluid tests, and imaging tests to help diagnose the condition.

The main goals of treatment for reactive arthritis are to relieve symptoms and treat any infection that may still be present. Since reactive arthritis can affect different parts of the body, there may need to be multiple doctors or healthcare providers involved in treating this condition. Treatments for reactive arthritis can include:

Medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, and rheumatoid arthritis medicines

Physical therapy exercises that strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, improve flexibility, and prevent stiffness

Although genetics is a risk factor for developing reactive arthritis, that risk can be lowered by reducing exposure to bacteria that cause infections by:

Practicing food safety

Preventing sexually transmitted infections

If you are experiencing any symptoms of reactive arthritis, you can schedule an appointment with a rheumatologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center. Please call (718) 206-7001.

Lupus Awareness Month

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is observed as Lupus Awareness Month, a month used to educate, advocate, and support those affected by lupus.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, such as the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.

Healthcare providers sometimes call lupus systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is the most common type of lupus, which means you have lupus throughout your body. Other types of lupus include:

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is lupus that only affects your skin
Drug-induced lupus occurs when some medications trigger lupus symptoms as a side effect. It is usually temporary and might go away after you stop taking the medication that caused it
Neonatal lupus occurs when babies are sometimes born with lupus. Babies born to biological parents with lupus aren’t certain to have lupus, but they might have an increased risk

No two cases of lupus are exactly alike. Signs and symptoms may come on suddenly or develop slowly, may be mild or severe, and may be temporary or permanent. Most people with lupus have a mild form of the disease characterized by flare-ups, when signs and symptoms may get worse for a while, and then improve or disappear completely for a time.

The signs and symptoms of lupus you experience will depend on which body systems are affected by the disease. The most common signs and symptoms include:

Fatigue
Fever
Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
A butterfly-shaped rash on the face that covers the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or rashes elsewhere on the body
Skin lesions that appear or worsen with sun exposure
Fingers and toes that turn white or blue when exposed to cold or during stressful periods
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Dry eyes
Headaches, confusion, and memory loss

Lupus likely results from a combination of genetics and environment.

People with an inherited predisposition for lupus may develop the disease when they come into contact with an environmental trigger of the disease. Some potential triggers of lupus include:

Sunlight
Infections

Diagnosing lupus is difficult because signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may change over time, overlapping with those of many other disorders.

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and results of a physical examination can lead to a diagnosis. Blood and urine tests may include:

A complete blood count
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Kidney and liver assessment
Urinalysis
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test

If your healthcare provider suspects that lupus is affecting your lungs or heart, they may suggest imaging tests that can include:

A chest X-ray
An echocardiogram

Lupus can harm the kidneys in many ways, and treatments can vary depending on the type of damage it causes. Sometimes, a kidney biopsy is needed to determine the best treatment. A skin biopsy can be performed to confirm a diagnosis of lupus affecting the skin.

A healthcare provider will suggest treatments for lupus that manage your symptoms. The goal is to minimize damage to the organs and how much lupus affects your day-to-day life. Most people with lupus need a combination of medications to help them prevent flare-ups and lessen the severity of symptoms during one. Medications you might need include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Corticosteroids
Antimalarial drugs
Immunosuppressants
Biologics

Simple measures can help prevent lupus flare-ups if they occur, and help you to better cope with the signs and symptoms you experience, including:

Seeing your doctor regularly
Being sun smart
Getting regular exercise
Quitting smoking
Eating a healthy diet
Asking your healthcare provider if you need vitamin D and calcium supplements

For more information about the Lupus Center at the campus of Jamaica Hospital Medical Center or to make an appointment with a lupus doctor, call (718) 206-9888 or the Lupus Hotline at 1-877-33-LUPUS.

Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 7, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. The observance serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the complex family of debilitating diseases.

An estimated 58.5 million adults in the U.S. are affected by some form of arthritis, which is equal to about 23.7% of the population. As the number of older Americans continues to grow, and the rate of obesity and overweight increases, the number of people with arthritis-attributable activity limitations will only increase.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis, especially amongst older people. OA mostly affects cartilage by breaking down its surface. As cartilage wears away, it allows bones to rub together, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion. Over time, these changes can affect the bones, tendons, and other joint tissues.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, joint pain and other OA symptoms can be managed through treatment, lifestyle changes, and education.

In 1972, at the urging of the Arthritis Foundation, Congress and President Richard M. Nixon designated May as National Arthritis Month, a special time to emphasize research, service, and education about arthritis and raise funds to support the cause. Every May since then, National Arthritis Month has been marked by efforts to elevate the public’s awareness of arthritis.

During this Arthritis Awareness Month, get involved by helping raise awareness for this public health priority.

Podiatry: What Your Feet Can Tell You about Your Health

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Our bodies present many signs and symptoms to show us that we are sick, such as a runny nose, fever, and body aches. However, your feet can tell us a lot about our health, including:

Dry, flaking, itchy, or peeling skin may be signs of a thyroid condition or a fungal infection.
Foot numbness may be a sign of circulation problems such as peripheral artery disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy associated with type 2 diabetes, other neurological problems, arthritis, or long-standing alcoholism.
A foot sore that won’t heal may be a sign of diabetes or peripheral vascular disease. In addition to causing nerve damage, high blood sugar might also damage the blood vessels that supply nerves, causing circulation problems that prevent healing.
Swollen ankles and feet may be signs of heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, or a blood clot. Painless swelling in the feet is gravity in action. If your heart, liver, or kidneys aren’t working properly, you will have excess fluid in the body that leaks into your tissues and drains down to the feet.
A suddenly, intensely painful, and swollen big toe may be a sign of gout, inflammation caused by a buildup of uric acid that forms crystals in the joints.
Pain in the foot when walking or exercising that goes away when resting may be a sign of a stress fracture or osteoporosis.
Sore toe joints in both feet may be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Frequent foot cramping may be a sign of dehydration and nutritional deficiencies.
Heel pain may be a sign of plantar fasciitis, the strain of the ligament that supports the arch in your foot.
Yellow toenails may be a sign of a fungal infection, such as athlete’s foot.
Balding or hairless feet and toes may be a sign of circulation problems, such as peripheral artery disease.
Foot or heel pain upon standing or rising in the morning may be a sign of arthritis or plantar fasciitis.
Frequently cold feet may be a sign of hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, or Raynaud’s disease, a condition where blood vessels spasm and constrict when experiencing cold temperatures.

Some ways you can care for your feet include:

Wash and examine your feet daily
Keep the skin on your feet moisturized
Treat any callouses and corns
Trim toenails weekly or as needed
Wear protective clothing on your feet
Maintain blood flow to the feet

If you are experiencing any of these foot ailments, contact Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Queens Podiatry Center at (718) 206-6713-6712 to make an appointment.

Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on May 1, 2024 by Jacob Lobosco

Arthritis is a chronic disease that typically causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness in your joints. It affects one in every seven people and, which it most often affect older adults, it can occur at any age. Arthritis can develop gradually or quickly depending on a variety of factors, but once it starts, it usually lasts your entire life.

There are many different types of arthritis, but two of the most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis usually affects weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and back, but it can affect almost any joint. It causes pain and stiffness due to degeneration of the bone and cartilage. Men and women are usually affected at the same rate. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body’s own immune system; it affects the lining of your joints first, then spreads to cartilage and bone. It affects women more often than men.

If arthritis symptoms last for 10 days or longer, you should discuss them with your doctor. These symptoms may be constant or intermittent; they may also occur during physical activity or at rest. When diagnosing arthritis, your doctor will perform a physical exam and take your complete medical history into account. Other diagnostic tests may include:

Blood testing
Urine analysis
Joint fluid specimen
X-ray testing

There are many ways that arthritis symptoms can be reduced so that people who have it can remain active. Several medications that reduce pain and swelling are available over-the-counter or may be prescribed by your doctor. Additionally, many people experience improvements in symptoms and increased joint mobility from exercise programs and physical therapy. Applying ice or heat to affected joints can also help.

If you are experience arthritis symptoms, you can schedule an appointment with a specialist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 206-7001.

What Treatments Are Available For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Posted on August 30, 2023 by Jacob Lobosco

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause a variety of debilitating symptoms, such as joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue, that can significantly interfere in your daily life. It can also cause lasting damage to multiple parts of your body, such as your nerves, skin, and heart. However, several approaches to treatment can help relieve your symptoms and reduce the severity of these long-term effects.

Medication is a common element of treatment for people who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, though which ones are prescribed by your doctor will depend on the nature and severity of your symptoms.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are typically among the first medications prescribed to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis
Biologics are used to reduce inflammation by targeting certain parts of the immune system that contribute to it
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors block enzymes that signal inflammatory and immune responses in cells
Analgesics reduce pain in people who cannot take NSAIDs, but do not reduce inflammation
Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that may be given while slow-acting medications begin to take effect

Exercise is also often beneficial for people living with rheumatoid arthritis. Many people diagnosed with this condition work with a physical therapist, who can create an effective exercise program that improves your strength and mobility. A physical therapist can also teach you techniques for relieving pain, ways of moving that prevent further physical damage, and exercises that you can perform on your own outside of scheduled sessions.

If other treatments are not providing adequate relief or offering significant improvement, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery. This most often involves hip and knee replacements, which can be effective for people with rheumatoid arthritis, but other affected joints may also be replaced for improved mobility and pain relief. Joint replacement surgery may also be followed up by physical therapy, which can help you learn how to stay mobile without causing damage to your joint replacements or surrounding parts of your body.

You can receive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s Division of Rheumatology. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742.