Rheumatoid arthritis
.webp "Rheumatoid arthritis | Causes, symptoms, treatments")
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| Rheumatoid arthritis | Causes, symptoms, treatments |
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), also known as
rheumatoid disease, is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation
and irritation of the body's joints due to the inflammation of the synovial
fluid surrounding the joints. This inflammation leads to an increase in its
thickness, resulting in the erosion and destruction of the cartilage and bones
associated with the joint, particularly the smaller ones, leading to joint
erosion and permanent deformities, causing chronic pain due to bone
friction.
RA may attack multiple joints simultaneously and typically affects
joints in the hands, wrists, and knees.
The damage caused by RA can result in long-term or chronic pain,
instability or imbalance during movement, and may affect other tissues
throughout the body, causing issues in organs such as the lungs, heart, and
eyes.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
People develop rheumatoid arthritis as a result of an immune response in which the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells. The specific causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not known, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing the disease, including:
Genetic factors
Some individuals are born with specific genes that make them more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis, such as genes associated with Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA). These genes can also exacerbate the severity of arthritis.
Additionally, the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis may increase when individuals carrying these genes are exposed to environmental factors such as smoking or when the individual is obese.
Age
The risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis increases with age, although it can affect people at any age.
Gender
Women are usually two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.
Smoking
Multiple studies have shown that smoking increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and can worsen the disease.
Obesity
Obesity can increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Studies examining the role of obesity have found that the higher the individual's weight, the greater the risk of developing the disease.
It is worth noting that, contrary to the risk factors that may increase the
likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis, at least one factor has been
found to reduce the risk in women, namely breastfeeding. Studies have shown
that women who breastfeed their infants have a reduced risk of developing
rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are general and can resemble flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, elevated body temperature, and weight loss. The most important symptoms of RA include:
1. General fatigue and weakness.
2. Joint swelling, which may sometimes become red, and involves the swelling
of at least three small joints for at least 6 weeks, or swelling of the wrist
or the middle and proximal interphalangeal joints in the hand for at least 6
weeks.
3. Joint stiffness, characterized by difficulty in moving the affected joint
with severe pain upon attempted movement, where the occurrence of morning
stiffness for at least one hour for at least 6 weeks is a diagnostic feature
of RA.
4. Shortness of breath.
5. Osteoporosis.
RA symptoms often manifest in the small joints of the fingers and toes
and, to a lesser extent, may affect the wrist, knee, ankle, elbow, hip, and
shoulder joints.
How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
Physicians diagnose rheumatoid arthritis using one or a combination of the
following measures:
- Clinical examination.
- X-ray imaging.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Blood chemistry analysis.
- Immune system examination.
- Laboratory tests related to joint inflammation, such as erythrocyte
sedimentation rate.
- Rheumatoid factor.
- Conducting tests like C-reactive protein.
Tips for Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
It is preferable to follow the following guidelines to alleviate and cope with rheumatoid arthritis:
- Patients should adhere to the doctor's instructions and guidelines.
- Avoid mental stress, tension, and anxiety.
- Consume a healthy and balanced diet.
- Engage in appropriate physical exercises after consulting with the doctor
regularly.
- Regularly consult the doctor.
- Quit smoking.
- Apply warm compresses to the affected area.
RA and Pregnancy
There is no contradiction between rheumatoid arthritis and marriage or pregnancy, but planning for pregnancy is very important for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Women with controlled symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis have healthier pregnancies and babies compared to women with active and uncontrolled disease during pregnancy.
Ideally, controlling the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis for 3 to 6 months before attempting pregnancy is recommended. It is worth noting that some rheumatoid arthritis medications may not be safe to use during pregnancy, so they should be discontinued at least 3 months before attempting pregnancy.
It should be noted that pregnant women with
uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis are more susceptible to risks such as
premature birth and low birth weight.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Despite the absence of a definitive cure for rheumatoid arthritis,
early intervention and support through the use of medications, lifestyle
changes, supportive therapies, and surgery in some cases can reduce the risk
of joint damage and mitigate the impact of the condition.
To treat rheumatoid arthritis, the physician may prescribe drug treatments that include symptom relief, pain reduction, as well as disease progression and joint erosion prevention.
A variety of approaches are used to manage rheumatoid arthritis, including:
Medication Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Among the medications that can be used to alleviate rheumatoid symptoms are:
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate and
leflunomide.
Biological drugs.
Enzyme inhibitors such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.
Pain relievers.
Steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment with Adjunct Therapies
Adjunct therapies, also known as supportive therapy, are utilized to help
alleviate the severity of rheumatoid arthritis and enhance the quality of
life. Some of the key adjunct therapies available include:
Physiotherapy: A physiotherapist may assist in improving the patient's
physical fitness and muscle strength, as well as enhancing joint
flexibility.
Occupational Therapy: An occupational therapist can provide training and advice to help the patient protect their joints, whether at home or in the workplace.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment with Surgery
At times, despite medication and following the doctor's recommendations, joints may sustain damage, necessitating surgery to help restore joint function. Surgery may be recommended to reduce pain or correct deformities in other cases. Examples of surgical interventions include:
Arthroscopy: Joint arthroscopy.
Hand, finger, and wrist surgery.
Joint Replacement Surgery: Surgery to replace the joint.