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Rheumatology  ·  MVP Colony

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Visakhapatnam

Early diagnosis and steady treatment to control joint inflammation and protect the joints.

Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli — MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology), CMC Vellore · Reg. No: APMC/FMR/96274

RF / anti-CCP testsDMARDs & biologicsUltrasound monitoring
Book Appointment Online Call: 91824 19306 WhatsApp
Doctor's direct line — Dr. Nagamounika: +91 91821 19306
At a glanceCommon signs
Small joint pain
Morning stiffness
Both sides
Tiredness
Ring feels tight
Feet pain
Symptoms & tests ↓
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DM Rheumatology
Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli
🏛️
CMC Vellore
Super-specialty training
📅
Book online
Pay at the clinic
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Mon – Sat
MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam

Who treats Rheumatoid Arthritis in Visakhapatnam?

At MRKC, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam, rheumatoid arthritis is treated by rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli. Starting the right medicines within the first months of symptoms gives a better chance of controlling RA and protecting the joints.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the lining of the joints (synovium). The joints become painful, swollen and stiff, usually the small joints of the hands, wrists and feet, on both sides of the body.

RA is about three times more common in women and often starts between 30 and 50 years. Without treatment, the inflammation can erode bone and deform joints within a year or two. With modern treatment started early, most patients keep good joint function.

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Rheumatoid factor positive? A positive rheumatoid factor (RF) does not always mean RA — it can be positive in healthy older people and in other conditions. Anti-CCP is more specific. The diagnosis depends on symptoms, examination and tests together.

Common symptoms

  • Pain and swelling in the small joints of the hands, wrists or feet
  • Same joints affected on both sides
  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
  • Difficulty making a fist, buttoning clothes or opening jars
  • Tiredness, low-grade fever or weight loss
  • Firm lumps under the skin near the elbows (nodules)

⚠️ See a doctor soon if you notice

Do not wait for your next appointment. For an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.

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Cough or breathlessnessOn methotrexate or with RA lung
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Fever on treatmentInfection risk is higher
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Red, painful eyeNeeds prompt review
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Numbness or weaknessIn hands or feet
Call 91824 19306

Tests that help

Not every patient needs every test. The doctor chooses tests based on your symptoms and old reports.

  • Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP antibodies
  • ESR and CRP
  • Complete blood count, liver and kidney function (before starting medicines)
  • Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and TB screening before some medicines
  • X-rays of hands and feet
  • Joint ultrasound to see active inflammation (in clinic)

How we care for Rheumatoid Arthritis at MRKC

1

Early diagnosis

Examination of all joints, blood tests and joint ultrasound to confirm RA early.

2

Start DMARDs

Methotrexate is usually the first medicine, sometimes with hydroxychloroquine or sulfasalazine. A short low-dose steroid may be used while DMARDs start working.

3

Treat to target

Disease activity is scored at each visit and treatment is stepped up — including biologics or JAK inhibitors — until RA is in remission or low activity.

4

Safe monitoring

Regular blood tests for side effects, plus bone, heart and vaccine care.

Everyday tips

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Exercise
Regular walking, stretching and hand exercises.
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Stop smoking
Smoking makes RA more severe and medicines less effective.
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Dental care
Gum disease is linked with RA.
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Vaccines
Flu and pneumonia vaccines are advised on treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Which doctor treats Rheumatoid Arthritis in Visakhapatnam?
At MRKC, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam, rheumatoid arthritis is treated by rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli. Starting the right medicines within the first months of symptoms gives a better chance of controlling RA and protecting the joints.
Is methotrexate a cancer medicine?
Methotrexate is used in high doses for some cancers, but in RA it is used in a much smaller dose, once a week. At this dose it is the standard first medicine for RA worldwide, and it is safe for most people with regular blood tests.
How long before the medicines work?
Most DMARDs take 6–12 weeks to show their full effect. Do not stop them early if you do not feel better at once.
Can I get pregnant with RA?
Yes. Some medicines such as methotrexate must be stopped at least 1–3 months before trying, and safe alternatives are used. Please plan pregnancy with your rheumatologist.
Can diet treat RA?
No diet alone controls RA, but a balanced diet, healthy weight and not smoking help the medicines work better.
How do I book an appointment at MRKC?
Book online at mrkc.in/emr/book, or call / WhatsApp 91824 19306. You can pay at the clinic. Please bring all old reports and your current medicines.

తెలుగులో

రుమటాయిడ్ ఆర్థరైటిస్ కోసం విశాఖపట్నం, MVP కాలనీలోని MRKC లో రుమటాలజిస్ట్ డా. నాగమౌనిక కొత్తపల్లి గారిని సంప్రదించండి. అపాయింట్‌మెంట్ కోసం 91824 19306 కు కాల్ లేదా వాట్సాప్ చేయండి.

This page gives general health information and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli (Rheumatologist, Reg. No: APMC/FMR/96274). Last reviewed: 27 October 2026.

Book a consultation for Rheumatoid Arthritis

With rheumatologist Dr. Nagamounika Kothapalli at MRKC, MVP Colony, Visakhapatnam.

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