Everything You Need To Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes chronic inflammation and pain in the joints and is three times more likely to affect women than men. It’s estimated that around 1.5 million people in the United States have the disease. When rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed in its early stages, a great deal can be done to manage symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life.

Genetics seem to play a big part in a person’s chances of developing RA. Someone with a family history of the condition is significantly more likely to develop it. Besides genetics, there are a number of risk factors that can cause its onset or trigger a flare-up. Some of these triggers include age, smoking, and obesity.

Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease that causes the body’s own immune system to attack the tissue which lines and cushions the joints. This chronic autoimmune condition can cause severe pain in affected joints, lack of mobility, balance issues, and deformity.

There are three types:

• Seropositive RA – Occurs when a patient tests positive for the rheumatoid factor (RF) that causes an immune system reaction on the tissues.
• Seronegative RA – When a patient tests negative for RF, but they have clinical RA symptoms. This tends to indicate a milder form of RA.
• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – RA that occurs in patients under the age of 17. Symptoms may be temporary or last for the patient’s entire life.

Signs and Symptoms

People who suffer with RA may experience long periods of remission, interspersed with flare-ups of symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Pain or aching in more than one joint
• Stiffness
• Swelling, tenderness, and redness
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Mobility issues
• Feelings of discomfort
• Mirrored symptoms on both sides of the body (i.e. both hands)

Typically the disease reveals itself in high-use areas of the body such as the hands, wrists, feet, elbows, ankles, and knees. It can also cause issues in organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes. Unlike other types of arthritis, RA often occurs on both sides of the body.

Treatment Options

As RA doesn’t have a known cure, treatment focuses on managing pain and slowing progression. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are part of almost every treatment plan, as these medications can reduce swelling and ease joint pain. Other treatments include physiotherapy, surgery, and draining built-up fluid around the joints.

The best treatment is early treatment, as it can help prevent permanent damage. RA treatment aims to reduce inflammation, symptoms, and pain, and increase the length of periods of remission. There is currently no cure for this disease.

Some of the most common treatments include:

Medication

Medication is the most commonly used form of treatment. Doctors may prescribe NSAIDs, steroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), JAK inhibitors, or biologic agents to help treat the disease. A doctor may also prescribe multiple types to be taken simultaneously.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as a change in diet, getting enough sleep, and light to moderate exercise can help reduce symptoms. Many physicians also recommend occupational therapy. Additionally, alternative therapies like consuming omega-3 fish oils, massage, and acupuncture can provide relief.

Surgery

In extreme cases where the damage is severe, a doctor may suggest surgery to repair damaged joints. This may be recommended for patients who are not longer responding to medications or physical therapy.

Many patients who live with rheumatoid arthritis can enjoy a good quality of life with treatment. Search online for more information about this autoimmune disorder. Speak to your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above.