Andrew Ruthberg, MD

The primary goal of the Rush Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinic is to identify, diagnose and treat rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible. Our patients have access to extensive diagnostic facilities including laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and infusion therapies, all conveniently available in our facility.

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. At times rheumatoid arthritis symptoms make even the simplest activities such as removing a lid or taking a walk too difficult to manage. Treatment options are increasing and include medication, exercise and lifestyle changes, management of pain, improving function and preventing further destruction of the joints. An important development in recent years has been the development of a group of drugs called biologic response modifiers or biologics, which are genetically engineered proteins designed to inhibit particular components of the immune system or suppress inflammation. A significant difference of these new medications is that they modify a specific component of the immune system, but not the entire immune system