May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public about the more than 100 types of arthritis that affect over 58 million Americans. This annual observance not only shines a light on the challenges faced by individuals living with arthritis—but also celebrates the breakthroughs in treatment that are helping patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and reclaim their quality of life.
At Pacific Arthritis, we’re proud to offer advanced treatment options like infusion therapy, which has provided long-term relief and improved outcomes for many of our patients living with chronic inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis. In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, we’re sharing some of the real-world success stories from patients who have experienced the transformative power of infusion therapy.
What Is Infusion Therapy?
Infusion therapy involves administering medications directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. These medications—often biologics—target the underlying causes of inflammation in autoimmune arthritis and can significantly reduce joint damage, stiffness, and pain.
Infusion therapy is often recommended for patients who:
- Haven’t responded well to oral medications
- Have moderate to severe disease activity
- Require targeted, long-acting treatment to control inflammation
At Pacific Arthritis, infusion therapy is provided in a safe, comfortable, and monitored setting by experienced clinicians. Treatments typically take 1 to 3 hours depending on the medication and patient’s needs.
Pacific Arthritis Success Stories
Success Story #1: Sarah, 41 – Regaining Mobility with RA
Sarah was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 36. A mother of two and active runner, she was devastated when chronic hand and knee pain made it difficult to get out of bed, much less lace up her running shoes. Despite trying several oral DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), her symptoms worsened.
After a thorough consultation, our rheumatology team recommended infusion therapy with a biologic specifically designed to target the immune cells contributing to her RA flare-ups.
Within two months of starting treatment, Sarah reported:
- Significantly less morning stiffness
- Reduced swelling in her joints
- Improved energy and ability to return to moderate exercise
Today, Sarah continues her infusions every eight weeks and has resumed her active lifestyle—with RA well-managed and under control.
Success Story #2: David, 58 – Managing Psoriatic Arthritis Flare-Ups
David had battled psoriasis for decades before developing joint pain and swelling that turned out to be psoriatic arthritis. His fingers became swollen and sore, and his lower back pain began interfering with his work as a graphic designer.
Topical treatments and oral medications provided some relief, but his disease activity persisted. He turned to Pacific Arthritis, where we tailored a treatment plan that included infusion therapy with a TNF-inhibitor biologic.
After several sessions, David experienced:
- Reduced joint inflammation and pain
- Better flexibility in his hands and wrists
- A visible improvement in his psoriasis plaques
Thanks to infusion therapy and continued monitoring, David’s flares have become less frequent and much more manageable.
Success Story #3: Maria, 65 – Fighting Ankylosing Spondylitis
Maria had suffered from chronic back pain for years and was eventually diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Her pain was especially bad in the mornings and after long periods of rest. Over time, her posture and mobility declined.
With infusion therapy targeting inflammatory proteins responsible for AS progression, Maria found relief that oral medications never delivered. Within six months, she reported:
- Improved spinal mobility
- Less stiffness and back pain
- An overall improvement in posture and mood
Maria now pairs infusion therapy with gentle physical therapy and yoga, significantly improving her daily function and independence.
Why Infusion Therapy Works
The effectiveness of infusion therapy lies in its precision. Many of the medications used are biologics, which are designed to block specific inflammatory pathways responsible for joint damage. Because they’re delivered via IV, they’re absorbed directly into the bloodstream and can start working quickly.
Benefits include:
- Rapid symptom relief for many patients
- Slowed disease progression, preserving joint health
- Longer dosing intervals (every 4 to 8 weeks), improving treatment compliance
At Pacific Arthritis, we individualize each treatment plan, selecting the right biologic and dosing schedule based on the patient’s unique symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment history.
A Holistic Approach to Arthritis Care
While infusion therapy is an effective option for many, we believe in whole-person care. Our rheumatologists work closely with each patient to create a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include:
- Lifestyle counseling
- Physical therapy
- Nutritional guidance
- Ultrasound-guided joint injections for localized pain
- Ongoing disease monitoring and support
We also offer telemedicine consultations for those who need convenient access to care between infusions.
Conclusion: Hope and Relief for Arthritis Patients
Arthritis can be overwhelming, but treatment options have come a long way. Infusion therapy has empowered many of our patients to regain control over their symptoms and reclaim their quality of life. Their success stories are a testament to the importance of specialized care and the advancements available in modern rheumatology.
This Arthritis Awareness Month, we invite you to explore how infusion therapy could change your journey with arthritis. At Pacific Arthritis, our expert rheumatologists are here to guide you every step of the way.
We proudly serve patients at our offices in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call us at (310) 297-9221.
Let’s take the next step toward a pain-free future—together.
