RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in your joints. This means that your immune system
starts attacking your body’s own tissues instead of germs and viruses. Rheumatoid arthritis causes
inflammation in the joint lining, resulting in red, painful, and swollen joints. The redness is caused by the
increased flow of blood, and as a result, the inflamed joint may feel warmer than usual.

The Onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis often develops gradually and varies from person to person. Initially, it may affect a few joints, such as the fingers, wrists, or the balls of the feet, causing discomfort and intermittent swelling. Morning stiffness is also a common symptom, often lasting more than half an hour. If you experience painful, swollen joints and prolonged morning stiffness, it is important to consult a doctor. Research shows that starting treatment early significantly improves outcomes, making timely diagnosis essential.

COMMON SYMPTOMS:

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can vary, often flaring up and then subsiding. Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity, as well as fatigue, anemia, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and sweating. Less commonly, patients may experience weight loss, eye inflammation, rheumatoid nodules (small lumps under the skin near joints), and, in rare cases, inflammation of the lungs, blood vessels, or the heart’s membrane. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to manage these symptoms effectively.

Outlook for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects individuals differently, making it difficult to predict how the condition will progress. For most people (75%), it causes ongoing joint pain, swelling, and occasional flare-ups. Around 20% of individuals experience very mild symptoms, while 5% may develop severe disease leading to significant disability. Early intervention is crucial—seek help from a rheumatologist to manage symptoms effectively and improve long-term outcomes.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

How Rheumatoid Arthritis is Diagnosed

There is no single test that can definitively diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages. Doctors typically make a diagnosis by evaluating your symptoms, performing a physical examination, and reviewing the results of X-rays, scans, and blood tests.

Tests for Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis often involves a combination of therapies, including regular physiotherapy and proper footwear. The main types of medications used include:

1) Painkillers (Analgesics) to relieve pain
2) Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain
3) Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression
4) Steroids to quickly reduce inflammation and manage symptoms

Tests for Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

To diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, several tests may be performed, including:

1) ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and CRP (C-Reactive Protein) to assess inflammation levels
2) RF-IgM (Rheumatoid Factor Immunoglobulin M) to detect the presence of rheumatoid factor
3) Anti-CCP (Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide) to identify specific antibodies associated with the disease
4) X-rays of Hands to check for joint erosions and damage

These tests, combined with your symptoms and physical examination, help doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Important Reminder:

Most individuals with rheumatoid arthritis will require a combination of these medications, as they work in different ways. A typical regimen may include a painkiller, an NSAID, and one or more DMARDs. As DMARDs can take time to work, steroids are often prescribed temporarily to manage inflammation and provide symptom relief while the DMARDs take effect.

Regular Follow-Up is critical to monitor the safety and effectiveness of medications. Continuous monitoring ensures optimal treatment and helps adjust medications as needed.