Rheumatoid arthritis: Overview, symptoms and causes

What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects one or more than one joints. In a variety of people, it can also damage several body systems like- lungs, blood vessels, skin, and heart.

RA is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when our immune system attacks our own body tissues.

Unlike osteoarthritis, RA damages the lining of the joints that causes pain that can eventually lead to joint deformity and bone erosion.

RA symptoms are widely associated with inflammation that can damage the other parts of the body as well.

While rheumatoid arthritis treatment is beneficial to some extent but severe complications can lead to physical disability.

Types of RA include:

• Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis
• Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are marked by inflammation and pain in joints.

While rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can affect several parts of the body, some of them may include-

• Joint stiffness
• Joint pain
• Loss of joint function
• Joint deformities
• Joint swelling

However, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may vary from person to person. It is advised not to ignore rheumatoid arthritis symptoms even if you experience occasional joint pain, as an early treatment manages the condition well.

Some other rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Sweating
• Dry eyes
• Chest pain
• Tiredness
• Lack of energy
• Poor appetite
• High temperature

RA causes inflammation in any joint of the body, few people can even develop fleshy lumps called rheumatoid nodules, that develop in the skin around the affected joints.

RA symptoms are first developed in smaller joints, in the hands and toes, as the disease progress, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can be noticed in the knee, wrist, ankles, elbow, hips, and shoulders.

Other areas of the body where rheumatoid arthritis causes discomfort include-

• Kidney
• Bone marrow
• Eyes
• Skin
• Heart
• Lungs

Rheumatoid arthritis causes

RA is an autoimmune disease, generally, our immune system protects the body from harmful infections and diseases. But in ra, our immune system attacks the healthy tissues of our body.

However, there is no true evidence that proves rheumatoid arthritis causes, but it is believed that genetic components may be responsible for this chronic inflammatory disease.

Some factors that may trigger the onset of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Cigarette smoking
• Exposure to different types of bacteria
• People who are obese
• Trauma or injury
• People with frequent viral infections

What is the RA factor?

RA factors are proteins that are produced by our immune system and have the capability to attack the healthy tissues of the body. 

Several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis show a high level of RA factors in the blood, the normal level of this factor in the blood is found to be 0-20 IU\ml.

Exercises such as swimming or cycling can help in strengthening the muscles and are also beneficial in lowering the RA factor.

RA treatment

There is no cure for RA, but following a proper treatment helps to manage the situation to some extent by slowing the progression of the disease.

Rheumatologists use the “Treat-to-target” treatment philosophy to effectively manage this disease.

This RA treatment approach has resulted in lesser symptoms and higher recovery rates for those experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

“Treat-to-target” treatment strategy involves-

-Setting a testing goal that signals a low disease state.

-Using acute phase reactants to test and perform monthly monitoring to monitor the progress of treatment

-Switching medications if progress is not made.

RA treatment help to manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms like pain and control of inflammation which in turn helps to prevent joint and bone damage.

Widely used, rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes-

• Dietary changes
• Medications
• Home remedies
• Exercises

Certain devices like braces and splints can hold joints in a resting position and they also benefit in managing inflammation.

Medications

Medications to be used for Rheumatoid arthritis treatment depend on the severity of the disease and the duration from which a person experiences RA symptoms. Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

NSAIDs can relieve pain and help in reducing inflammation, some over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs include- Ibuprofen and naproxen sodium.

These anti-inflammatory drugs also possess some potential side effects like stomach irritation, kidney damage, and heart problems.

2. Steroids

Corticosteroids such as prednisolone, help to reduce inflammation and slow down joint damage. Some potential side effects of steroids include- weight gain, thinning of bones, and diabetes. 

Doctors prescribe steroids to reduce RA symptoms quickly.

3-DMARD’s

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs can reduce the progression of RA and protect the joints from permanent tissue damage.

Some common Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatoid Drugs include Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate, Leflunomide, and Hydroxychloroquine.

Side effects may vary from liver damage to lung infections.

If a person affected with RA doesn’t get treatment, this can lead to severe permanent deformities in feet and hands which may lead to a claw-like appearance.

Some people may also notice ulcers, calluses, and bunions on their feet.

Lifestyle and home remedies 

People who have rheumatoid arthritis must take care of their bodies. These lifestyle changes, when used along with RA medications can help to manage signs and symptoms of the disease.

1. Exercise Regularly

Practising exercise can help strengthen the muscles around the joints, and it may help to reduce fatigue.

2. Apply heat

Heat can help reduce the pain and relax muscles hence reducing pain

3. Diet

Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids benefit the management of RA.

Some foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include-

• Chia seeds
• Walnuts
• Flax seeds
• Fish with high-fat content

Several antioxidants like Vitamin- A, C, and E also help to reduce inflammation.

Some foods rich in anti-oxidant content include-

• Kidney beans
• Dark chocolates
• Spinach
• Berries
• Artichokes

Foods rich in flavonoids also help to counter the inflammation in the body, some flavonoid-rich foods include-

• Broccoli
• Berries
• Green tea
• Grapes
• Soy products

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