Question: I'm a 42-year-old female and have had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since age 11. What do you recommend I do to treat it? Is surgery and option?
Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis usually fades as most people enter their teen years, but unfortunately some suffer full complications seen in adult-onset arthritis, including joint destruction and deformity.
RA is typically treated aggressively with immune-mediating drugs that protect the joint and bone from destruction. I recommend you see a rheumatologist for medication recommendations specific to the disease activity you have.
Joint replacement surgery is an option for those with diseased and destroyed joints, and remission can be induced with the use of the correct medications under the supervision of your rheumatologist.
© 2026 NewsmaxHealth. All rights reserved.