Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that extends its impact beyond the joints, affecting various body systems including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
This autoimmune condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, leading to painful joint swelling, bone erosion, and deformities, unlike osteoarthritis caused by wear-and-tear damage.
The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis not only affects the joints but also poses risks to other parts of the body. Despite significant advancements in medications, severe cases can still result in physical disabilities.
RA brings about pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints as the immune system's confusion prompts it to attack healthy tissues.
In the UK, approximately 400,000 adults aged 16 and over are affected by rheumatoid arthritis, and it can impact people of all ages. Due to its potential to worsen rapidly, early diagnosis and intensive treatment play a crucial role in managing the condition effectively.
Understanding the development of rheumatoid arthritis requires insight into the workings of a normal joint.
RA is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by chronic inflammation, which affects joints with varying severity among patients.
Risk factors include: age, gender, genetics, environmental exposure such as cigarette smoking, air pollutants, and certain occupational factors. Complications that may arise include permanent joint damage necessitating arthroplasty, rheumatoid vasculitis, and Felty syndrome, which may require splenectomy if left unaddressed.
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for RA, and treatment goals focus on pain reduction and halting or slowing further damage. Various treatment modalities have been used to address the complexities associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA is a complex autoimmune disease that arises when the body's immune system, designed to protect against infections and diseases, mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, particularly the joints. This immune response can extend to various other organs, leading to medical problems affecting the heart, lungs, nerves, eyes, and skin.
While the exact triggers of this immune system malfunction are not fully understood, evidence points towards a genetic component that increases the likelihood of reacting to environmental factors. These factors may include infections caused by certain viruses and bacteria, which could potentially serve as triggers for the onset of the disease.
RA can lead to inflammation in and around the joints, causing damage to the skeletal system. Moreover, it has the potential to affect other organs like the heart and lungs. Researchers believe that heredity might play a role in the development of RA, though the specific causes remain unknown.
This autoimmune disorder is not limited to a particular age group, as it most commonly appears in individuals aged 30 to 50 but can occur at any age. Additionally, it is more prevalent in women compared to men.
Ways to Treat & Self-Care for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Promoting overall wellness and managing rheumatoid arthritis involves adopting various strategies:
- Healthy Eating: A well-balanced, nutritious diet that includes all essential food groups helps maintain a healthy weight and supports overall well-being.
- Daily Movement: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, even when you don't have time for a full exercise session.
- Balancing Activity with Rest: Find a balance between staying physically active and allowing your body to rest during flare-ups.
- Hot and Cold Treatments: Apply heat pads or enjoy warm baths to soothe stiff joints and tired muscles.
- Stress Reduction and Complementary Therapies: Engage in relaxation techniques such as meditation and massage to alleviate stress and pain.
- Supplements: Consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
- TENS Machines: Consider non-invasive treatments like TENS machines for pain relief.
Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Diagnosing RA during its early stages can be challenging due to mild symptoms and the absence of visible signs in X-rays or blood tests. Healthcare providers employ several diagnostic tools, including medical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
- Medical History: Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, their onset, and how they have progressed over time.
- Physical Examination: The doctor will conduct a physical exam that involves inspecting your joints, observing your movements, checking for any skin rashes or nodules, and listening to your chest for signs of lung inflammation.
- Laboratory Tests: Several blood tests aid in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, including rheumatoid factor (RF) test, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) test, complete blood count (CBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) test.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound help assess joint damage and disease severity.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA presents a range of symptoms, including joint pain, tenderness, swelling, or stiffness, morning stiffness, involvement of multiple joints, symmetrical presentation, fatigue, low-grade fever, and fluctuating symptoms known as "flares."
Other manifestations might include tiredness, lack of energy, reduced appetite, unintended weight loss, sweating, dry eyes, and occasional chest pain.
The impact of rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, making it challenging to predict the exact course of the condition for each individual.
Quitting smoking, maintaining physical activity, and adhering to prescribed medications can help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
RA can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, mouth, skin, lungs, blood vessels, blood, and heart. Painful joints may hinder regular exercise, leading to weight gain and increased risk of other health conditions.
