Rheumatoid Arthritis- Symptom, Cause, Treatment, Self Care
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced motion. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent joint damage. Self-care, medication, and lifestyle changes play a key role in controlling RA.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder where your immune system erroneously attacks your joints. This leads to inflammation, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It’s a progressive disease, which means without treatment, it can worsen over time, leading to joint damage and other health complications.
What are Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Tender, warm, swollen joints.
- Morning stiffness lasting several hours.
- Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.
- Symptoms may vary in intensity and can appear and disappear in episodes known as flares.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The exact cause of RA is still unknown, but it’s thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround your joints.
What are the Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Age: Typically affects middle-aged individuals.
- Sex: More common in women than men.
- Genetics: A family history of RA increases risk.
- Smoking: A significant risk factor, especially in those with a genetic predisposition.
- Obesity: Higher body mass index increases the risk of developing RA.
How to Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Physical Examination: Checking for joint swelling, redness, and warmth.
- Blood Tests: Rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, ESR, and CRP levels.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound to assess joint damage
Who Should Diagnose and Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatologists, who specialize in arthritis and other diseases of the joints, bones, and muscles, are the right professionals to diagnose and treat RA.
How to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Medications: DMARDs, NSAIDs, steroids, and biologics.
- Physical Therapy: To maintain joint flexibility and strength.
- Surgery: In severe cases, to repair damaged joints.
Complications with Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Joint Damage: Can lead to deformities and disability.
- Osteoporosis: Higher risk due to RA and certain treatments.
- Dry Eyes and Mouth: Associated with Sjögren’s syndrome.
- Infections: Increased susceptibility due to immune system impairment and medications.
- Heart Problems: Increased risk of blocked arteries and heart disease.
Self-Care with Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Regular Exercise: Helps maintain joint flexibility and muscle strength. Low-impact exercises like swimming, walking, and cycling are beneficial.
- Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce inflammation.
- Stress Management: Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can reduce stress, which may trigger RA flares.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can aggravate RA and reduce the effectiveness of treatment.