Rheumatoid Arthritis Knee Treatment in Jaipur — Dr. Dheeraj Dubay
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack joint linings, leading to inflammation, pain, and eventual joint destruction. Dr. Dheeraj Dubay works closely with rheumatologists in Jaipur to provide comprehensive care — including knee replacement surgery for patients with advanced RA joint damage.
Educational information only. Diagnosis and treatment require an individual orthopedic assessment. Read our medical editorial policy.
24 Years
Orthopedic experience
40,000+ Surgeries
Total surgeries performed
Director
Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery, Shalby Hospital Jaipur
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Unlike osteoarthritis which is mechanical wear-and-tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium — the lining of the joint. This causes persistent inflammation that can rapidly destroy cartilage and bone. RA often affects both knees symmetrically and may involve other joints and organs.
Causes and Risk Factors
- •Autoimmune dysfunction — immune system targeting healthy joint tissue
- •Genetic predisposition — HLA-DR4 gene association
- •Environmental triggers — smoking, infections, hormonal changes
- •Female gender — RA affects women 3x more often than men
- •Age — most commonly develops between 30–60 years
- •Family history of autoimmune conditions
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Knee
- ⚠Symmetric joint involvement — both knees often affected simultaneously
- ⚠Morning stiffness lasting more than 30–60 minutes
- ⚠Warm, swollen, and tender joints
- ⚠Systemic symptoms — fatigue, low-grade fever, weight loss
- ⚠Rheumatoid nodules under the skin near pressure points
- ⚠Fluctuating disease activity — flares and remissions
- ⚠Progressive joint deformity without proper management
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA diagnosis requires a combination of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings. The ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria are used for classification.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Non-Surgical Options
- ✓DMARDs (disease-modifying drugs) — methotrexate, leflunomide
- ✓Biologic agents — TNF inhibitors, IL-6 blockers, JAK inhibitors
- ✓Corticosteroids for rapid disease control during flares
- ✓NSAIDs for symptom relief
- ✓Physiotherapy to maintain joint range and muscle strength
- ✓Occupational therapy for joint protection strategies
Surgical Options
- →Synovectomy — surgical removal of inflamed synovium (arthroscopic)
- →Total knee replacement — when joint destruction is severe
- →Bilateral knee replacement — staged or simultaneous if both knees are affected
- →Revision surgery if a previous replacement has failed
Dr. Dheeraj Dubay — relevant experience
- ✓24 years of orthopedic experience.
- ✓40,000+ total surgeries performed across his career.
- ✓Director, Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery at Shalby Hospital Jaipur.
- ✓Practice focused on knee and hip replacement, including robotic, computer-navigated and minimally invasive approaches where clinically appropriate.
- ✓Recorded 34 joint replacements in one day on 9 May 2024 — 33 knee replacements and 1 hip replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Knee replacement can be considered for people with rheumatoid arthritis when joint damage and symptoms are severe despite appropriate medical management. Infection risk, medicines, bone quality and overall health require coordinated planning between the orthopedic, rheumatology and anaesthesia teams.
Related Conditions
Need an Orthopedic Assessment?
Book a consultation with Dr. Dheeraj Dubay. Appointments are available at Shalby Hospital Jaipur and Dr. Dubay Hip & Knee Clinic, Vidhyadhar Nagar.
Website information is educational. Diagnosis and treatment recommendations require an individual clinical assessment.