Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Common Symptoms
- Diagnosis and Tests
- Risk Factors
- Treatment and Management
- Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Conclusion
Introduction
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a challenging and often painful condition that affects millions of people across the globe. Although many associate it mainly with joint issues, it can affects multiple organs of body .
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which occurs from wear and tear, RA specifically targets the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, swelling, and eventually joint damage.
After a certain time , RA doesn’t just stay confined to the joints—it can harm organs like the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Joints in the hands, wrists, feet, and knees are most often affected, typically symmetrically on both sides of the body.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The exact cause of RA remains unknown.
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing RA:
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental factors like smoking and air pollution
- Hormonal influences (it is more common in women)
- Age, with risk increasing in individuals over 55
Common Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of RA early can lead to better management. Typical signs include:
- Persistent joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning lasting more than one hour
- Warm, tender, swollen joints
- Fatigue and feeling unusually tired
- Deformities like ulnar deviation, swan-neck deformity of fingers, and boutonniere deformity of the thumb (as shown in the image above)
- Reduced range of motion in the joints over time
In addition to joint symptoms, RA can cause:
- Chest pain when breathing deeply (pleurisy)
- Dry eyes and dry mouth (similar to Sjögren’s syndrome)
- Skin nodules
- Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
- Eye discomfort, including burning and discharge
- Disturbed sleep due to pain and discomfort
Diagnosis and Tests
No test can confirm the surety of disease. However, doctors typically use a combination of clinical evaluation and blood tests, such as:
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) test
- Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibody test
Imaging techniques like X-rays, MRIs, and ultrasounds can also help detect joint damage and monitor disease progression.
Risk Factors
Certain groups are more prone to developing RA. Risk factors include:
- Gender: Women are about three times more likely to develop RA.
- Age: Though it can occur at any age, it is more common after age 55.
- Genetics: Family history increases risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, obesity, and prolonged exposure to pollutants elevate the chances.
According to the World Health Organization, 18 million people were living with RA globally in 2019, with women comprising 70% of cases.
Treatment and Management
Though there is no cure for RA, early intervention can significantly improve quality of life. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms, and prevent joint and organ damage.
Common treatments include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain and inflammation
- Glucocorticoids for short-term control
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression
- Biological agents targeting specific immune pathways
In severe cases where joints are severely damaged, orthopedic surgery may be necessary. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are key components in restoring function and strength after surgery.
Assistive devices like braces and special tools can help maintain independence and protect joints.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Smoking cessation, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and emotional support are vital in coping with the challenges of living with RA.
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Living with RA requires adjustments, but with the right strategies, people can continue to lead fulfilling lives. Education, counselling, and community support play huge roles in adapting to the disease.
Personalized rehabilitation programs help enhance mobility and decrease pain, making daily activities more manageable.
Conclusion
Rheumatoid arthritis may be a lifelong condition, but with early diagnosis, proper medical care, and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can maintain a good quality of life. Ongoing research and improved therapies continue to offer hope for even better management and, possibly, eventual cures.
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