What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly targets the joints, leading to inflammation, typically affecting both sides of the body.
Unlike other forms of arthritis, RA affects smaller joints, such as the
- Fingers
- Hands
- Wrists
- Feet
as well as larger joints, like knees and ankles.
Over time, this inflammation can result in
- Joint damage
- Cartilage loss
- Bone erosion
- Joint deformities
If left untreated, RA can also impact other body parts like the heart, lungs, eyes, and skin.
What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA presents differently in each person, but common symptoms include:
- Pain, swelling, and stiffness in multiple joints.
- Joint tenderness, especially in the morning or after prolonged sitting.
- Symmetrical joint pain on both sides of the body.
Fatigue, fever, and weakness are common symptoms.
Symptoms can flare up and subside; during flare-ups, individuals may experience intensified pain and stiffness.
Tracking symptoms and identifying triggers can help manage these flare-ups effectively.
What Are the Risk Factors associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis, including:
- Family History: Having close relatives with RA increases your risk.
- Gender: RA is more common in women and people designated female at birth.
- Age: RA can develop at any age but typically starts between 30 and 60.
- Smoking: Smoking not only increases the risk but also worsens the severity of RA.
- Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts added strain on the joints, potentially triggering or exacerbating RA symptoms.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing RA involves a thorough physical exam, reviewing medical history, and conducting blood tests to check for specific proteins and markers of inflammation.
Some diagnostic tests include the
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- C-reactive protein (CRP)
to detect inflammation and biomarkers like rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies.
Imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and MRIs help assess joint damage.
What are the Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Early diagnosis and treatment is important to prevent long-term joint damage.
RA treatments include:
- Medications: Drugs and biologics to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Exercise, weight management, and rest to maintain joint function and reduce stress on affected joints.
- Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement or surgery to correct deformities may be considered.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Yes, specific lifestyle changes can significantly help manage RA symptoms.
Regular exercise enhances joint function and builds muscle strength, while a nutritious diet can help decrease inflammation.
People with RA should focus on gentle range-of-motion exercises, strength training, and low-impact activities like swimming or cycling.
Resting during flares and maintaining a healthy weight also help relieve joint pressure and reduce symptoms.
Take control of your rheumatoid arthritis with expert care at S N Pareek Hospital. Book your consultation now!
