Rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment, symptoms, advice and help

About rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-standing joint disease that damages the joints of the body. It is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the tissues around the joints. Autoimmune diseases are diseases that occur when the body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by the body’s immune system.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Incidence, age and sex

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disease affecting women three times more than men. It may begin at any age, but it most often starts between 40 and 60 years of age. It may affect several family members, suggesting a genetic basis.

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: Diagnosis

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may or may not be exhibited, depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. When the joints body are inflamed, it means the disease is active. When the inflammation subsides, the disease is known to be inactive (in remission). This may occur on its own or with treatment and may last for weeks, months, or years. During this time, the patient has no problem and he feels well. But when the disease becomes active again (relapse), the symptoms return. The return of disease and symptoms is known as a flare-up. The course of rheumatoid arthritis varies among affected individuals.

When the disease is active, the symptoms are weakness, lack of appetite, low-grade temperature, muscle and joint aches and joint stiffness mostly in the morning hours. Also, the joints become red, swollen and painful. Usually, multiple joints are affected in a symmetrical pattern. Joints of the hands and wrists are often involved.

The diagnosis is based on thorough medical history and history of the illness, physical examination of the joints and blood and X-ray of the affected joints.

Causes and prevention of rheumatoid arthritis

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still not well-known. Infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, but nothing has been proven so far. Genetic inheritance is also believed to be one of the causative factors. It is also suspected that certain infections or environmental factors trigger the activation of the immune system in certain individuals. This misguided immune system then attacks the body's own tissues leading to inflammation in the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis is not a fatal disease but it may be associated with many complications that have an effect on the vital organs of the body leading to premature death.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Treatment

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment is aimed at reducing the joint inflammation and pain, maximizing joint function, and preventing its destruction. The earlier the treatment is given, the better are the outcomes. The best treatment involves a combination of drugs, rest, joint-strengthening exercises, joint protection, and educating the patient as well as the family. Drugs known as DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) are prescribed. Most people require more aggressive treatment with methotrexate, in addition to anti-inflammatory agents. In some cases with severe joint deformity, surgery may be needed.