Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain, in and around the joints and other body organs. Over a period of time the inflammation can cause erosion of bones and joint deformity.

What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA affects the same joints on both the sides of the body. This is a symptom that distinguishes Rheumatoid Arthritis from Osteoarthritis. Pain and inflammation are the classic symptoms of RA. Some more warning signs of the condition are:

Stiffness in more than one joint
Joint deformity
Unsteadiness while walking
Fever
Decreased range of motion
Weight loss
General weakness

The symptoms of RA get severe and tend to recur in episodes, if the condition is not treated at the right time.

Complications:

People with RA are at a higher risk of developing other conditions such as:

Carpal tunnel syndrome: It is a condition causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the fingers, and other parts of the hand

Inflammation: Inflammation from RA can lead to osteoporosis which increases the chances of breaks and fractures.

Cervical myelopathy: This condition is marked by problems with fine motor skills, pain or stiffness in the neck, loss of balance, and trouble walking. It is caused due to inflammation and destruction of synovial tissue in the cervical spine.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, early diagnosis and treatments are essential to curb the progression of the condition. The doctor will check for the clinical signs of inflammation and its severity. He will conduct a thorough physical examination to evaluate functional limitation and deformity if any. Blood tests and imaging tests, such as a MRI and X-ray are recommended to identify the type of arthritis and monitor its progression.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated

In a confirmed case of rheumatoid arthritis, a rheumatologist will suggest a suitable treatment plan which includes one, or a combination of the following options:

Medications:

NSAIDs: NSAIDs provide relief from pain, reduce inflammation and fever.

Corticosteroids: lf NSAIDs fail to work, steroid injections are administered to reduce pain and swelling. Their effect is rapid but temporary and depends on the severity of symptoms.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are used alone or with other treatments to prevent the overactive immune system from attacking the healthy tissues, and thus prevent further damage to the joints.

Physical Therapy:
A physiotherapist will suggest exercises and stretches to regain muscle mobility. In some cases, he will recommend assistive devices such as a cane or a gripping tool to support you in performing your daily activities.

Surgery:
If there are any deformities or damaged joints, the doctor will recommend a surgery. The different types of surgical procedures used to treat RA patients are:

Arthroscopic surgery: This is a surgical procedure that involves using an arthroscope to look into the joint and fix it.
Synovectomy: In this procedure, the inflamed lining of the joint (synovium) is removed. It is done to reduce pain and improve joint flexibility.
Tendon repair: This procedure involves repairing the tendons around the joint that are ruptured due to inflammation and joint damage.
Joint fusion: This surgical process involves fusing or realigning a joint to reduce pain.
Total joint replacement: During joint replacement surgery, the damaged parts of the joint are removed and an implant is fixed there. The implant replicates the movement of a healthy joint.