Everything You Need To Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. This disease causes the body attacks itself, leading to severe pain and mobility issues and in extreme cases, bone erosion and joint deformity. Approximately 1.5 million Americans are affected by the disease.

RA tricks your body into acting like the connective tissue of the synovial joints is a foreign organism, attacking the linings of the joints that are in charge of absorbing shock and allowing smooth movement.

Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are three types of RA:

• 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

Typically the disease reveals itself in high-use areas of the body such as the hands, wrists, feet, elbows, ankles, and knees. In extreme cases, RA causes inflammation in organs like the lungs and eyes.

Symptoms and severity vary from person to person, but generally include:

• Joint pain, tenderness, or warmth
• Stiffness of the joints
• Unexplained mobility issues
• Fatigue
• Swelling
• General feelings of discomfort

Treatment Options

The best treatment begins early on, as it can help prevent permanent damage to bones. 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

Medications are the most commonly used treatment form. Doctors may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), JAK inhibitors, or biologic agents to help treat the disease. A doctor may prescribe multiple types to be used in conjunction.

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes such as a change in diet, getting enough rest, and regular physical activity 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 suggested for patients who are not longer responding to medications or physical therapy.

Talk To Your Doctor

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease, and while there is no cure, scientists continue to research it. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or have a family history of RA, talk to your doctor to get tested.