Rheumatoid arthritis also referred to as RA, is a long-term inflammatory disease that leads to painful joints in those affected by the disorder. It is an autoimmune disease, a type of disease in which the body’s immune system starts to attack its own healthy cells. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the disease affects the lining of different joints in the body and causes their inflammation. After some time, the inflamed joint tissue becomes severely damaged and leads to chronic pain, unsteady mobility, and even deformation.
Rheumatoid arthritis characteristically affects joints bilaterally, i.e., on both sides equally. The joints of hands and feet are affected first, but eventually, the joints of the entire body become engulfed with the disease.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- Stiffness in joints, especially in the mornings after waking up. The stiffness eventually progresses to painful joints accompanied by occasional swelling as well.
- Fever, loss of appetite, fatigue, and tiredness, and an overall feeling of being weak and unwell.
- Loss of mobility and function in the affected joints, which can eventually become deformed.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can range from being mild to moderate and severe. Patients often go through periods of flared symptoms alternating with periods of remission; there will be times when the pain and swelling fade or even disappears completely.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect non-joint structures like the eyes, lungs, heart, skin, kidneys, etc. A small percentage of patients suffering from RA experience signs and symptoms that manifest in these structures.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the lining of the membranes surrounding our joints, which is known as synovium. This leads to inflammation and subsequent thickening of the synovium, which can eventually damage the underlying bone and cartilage. Also, Inflammation is directly associated with pain and swelling, and mobility of the joints becomes increasingly painful. While the exact cause of the disease is not known, certain factors that predispose to the development of RA have been established, which include:
- Genetics: Some people with specific genes are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than others. Individuals who have RA running in the family may also be at high risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis themselves.
- Age & Sex: Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age, but the likelihood increases with increasing age. Similarly, women are at an increased risk of developing RA than men.
- Lifestyle: Obesity and smoking are risk factors that increase the chances of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Children who have been exposed to a smoking environment may also be at an increased risk of developing RA as adults.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure. However, there are treatment modalities that can help patients lead better lives by managing the symptoms of RA. The treatments are aimed at reducing inflammation and pain at the joints, improve mobility, and minimize the damage and loss of function caused due to the inflamed joints.
Medication:
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed for pain relief. Steroids are also prescribed commonly but may have side-effects with long-term use. All other drugs given for RA are mainly aimed at pain relief and inflammation management. A new line of drugs known as DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) has proven to slow down the progression of RA.
Physical Therapy:
Physical and occupational therapy can help in keeping the joints mobile and flexible through suitable exercises. Exercise can also improve the range of motion in the joints and strengthen muscles.
Heat and Cold Application:
Cold compresses are useful for reducing pain and inflammation. In contrast, hot treatments like warm showers can help reduce stiffness of the joints.
Assistive Devices:
Since RA can affect the quality of life by restricting motion, patients can make use of assistive devices that can improve routine functions and make life relatively easy. These include canes and crutches for walking, splints, and braces to hold the joints in a resting position and modified home tools to assist with daily chores and functions.
