Rheumatoid arthritis: Know about causes, symptoms and more

Everything You need to know about Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful swelling of the joints caused as a result of an autoimmune and inflammatory response of the body.  Autoimmunity triggers an attack on healthy cells in the joints of hands and feet and thus cause inflammation. Such joints become swollen and are tender to touch. Redness or red bumps can be noticed at the affect joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints of finger, wrists, hands and feet. It causes morning stiffness, extreme pain and burning sensation at the joints. 

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unknown. However it is believed that genetic inheritance and environmental triggers may contribute to the autoimmunity which leads to rheumatoid arthritis. 

It is more common in women than men and it usually have a gradual onset. It is generally a non-treatable chronic illness and the only treatment done is to manage the symptoms of disease and control the further progression of the inflammation in the joints. 

People living with rheumatoid arthritis may need lifelong physical care and anti-inflammatory medicines to improve the joint function and the quality of life. 

What are the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis may start with very unnoticeable changes in the joint which can be misunderstood often with other conditions like an injury to the joint.  The symptoms develop over a course of time and when the joints start damaging, a person can notice symptoms.  The outer lining (cartilage) of a RA joint starts to get inflammation and destroy or damage the healthy joint tissue.  

Rheumatoid arthritis appears as: flares and remissions

When the symptoms often go worse after a period of actually feeling better with treatment or rest, it is called RA flare period. People experience much difficulty using their joints during the flare periods. Flares are usually though to appear due to any trigger to your immune response.  Triggers can be anything such as some foods, stress, seasonal or weather changes, increased work activity, some medications, etc. 

Sometimes the symptoms go away or disappear for a while, it is called a remission of RA.

Let us know the signs and symptoms that can be commonly seen in people with RA joints.These are the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:

• Swelling and redness of the joints 
• Pain in the joints, especially starts with wrists, then fingers and toes
• Morning stiffness of the joints, may last for 30 minutes or more
• Joints are tender to touch and movement
• Typical involvement of the joints on both sides of the body.
• Fatigue and weakness
• Involvement of more than single joint

Which joints of the body are affected in RA rheumatoid arthritis?

It is believed that the small joints such as that in wrists and fingers are the first ones to get affected in rheumatoid arthritis. 

Following joints of our body can get affected in rheumatoid arthritis;

• Wrists
• Fingers
• Toes
• Hands
• Feet
• Knees
• Ankles

It involves both the joints as RA is commonly seen to affect the pair of joints simultaneously. 

What are the causes of rheumatoid arthritis? 

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Scholars believe it is due to the autoimmunity of  person's body. 

Autoimmunity may be triggered to produce inflammatory response in the joints which replace the healthy tissue and damage the joint cartilage.  There are certain risk factors that can cause rheumatoid arthritis, somehow.

Risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis:

• Age: Scholars believe RA can begin as early as 16 years and late in the 60's. People in the age group of 16-40 are called young-onset RA group or YORA. People who develop RA after 60 years of age, they are said to be in a late-onset RA group or LORA.  RA is seen commonly after the age of 30 years. 

• Gender: Females are more at risk for RA. Females can have RA as early as 30 years. Men are less commonly seen to develop RA before they turn 45. In Men, RA can occur post 45 years of age and the incidences are comparatively lesser than women.

• Family history: If there is a family history of someone having RA, you are likely to have a risk for RA.

• Smoking: Smoking may increase your risk to get RA.

• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption may also tend to increase your risk for RA.

• Child bearing history: A woman who has never given birth to a baby is supposed to have the risk of RA. 

• Overweight or obesity: Obese people are at risk for RA.

• Breastfeeding or nursing women are at less risk for RA. Pregnant ladies who smoke more during pregnancy can put their baby at risk for RA when the baby grows up. 

How can be Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

RA can be diagnosed by physical assessment of the symptoms, history taking, getting X-ray imaging of the affected joints, blood tests such as erythocyte sedimentation rate(ESR), CRP , Rh factor.   Rh  factor can confirm the diagnosis of RA. 

Who treats the people having Rheumatoid arthritis?

RA can be treated by a rheumatologist, an expert doctor who has studied the joints as speciality medicine. Consult your rheumatologist to get best care of RA and live better by managing the symptoms. 

What is the treatment of RA? 

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment aims at:

1. Managing the symptoms
2. Prevention of further progression of disease( joint damage) 
3. preventing complications
4. Living better with RA

RA can be treated but not cured completely. Your rheumatologist may plan treatment based on the severity of your symptoms. REST, ICE and HOT packs, alternate ice/hot therapy, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy,etc are the treatment approaches for RA.
You may need occupational therapy and physical therapy to live better and manage symptoms effectively in RA.

Note: This post is for educational and informational purpose only. It is not a substitute for any medical consultation or advice. See your doctor in any case.