Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis Types, Symptoms, Cause, Treatment, Know All Important things About Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2021
1. What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis – RA is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and damage throughout human body.
The joint damage that RA causes usually occurs on both sides of the body.
So, if a joint in one of your arms or legs is affected, the same joint in the other arm or leg will probably be affected. This is one way that doctors differentiate RAK from other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis (OA).
Treatments work best when RA is diagnosed early, so it is important to learn the symptoms. Read on to learn what you want to know about RA, ranging from types and symptoms to home remedies, diet and other treatments.
Types of rheumatoid arthritis
There are different types of RA. Knowing what type you have can help your healthcare provider provide the best treatment for you.
Types of RA include:
Seropositive RA. If you’ve seropositive RA, you’ve a positive rheumatoid factor blood test result. This means you have antibodies that can attack your immune system in the joints.
Seronegative RA. If you have a negative RF blood test result and a negative-CCP result, you still have RA symptoms, you may have seronegative RA. You can eventually make antibodies, changing your diagnosis to seropositive RA.
Adolescent idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Adolescent idiopathic arthritis refers to RA in children 17 years and younger. This condition was formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). The symptoms are similar to other types of RA, but they can also include eye inflammation and physical development problems.
Get more details about RA types and their differences.
The difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Like RA, people with osteoarthritis (OA) may experience painful and stiff joints that make it difficult to move.
People with OA may have joint swelling after increased activity, but OA does not cause any significant inflammatory response that usually causes redness in the joints.
Unlike RA, OA is not an autoimmune disease. It has to do with the natural wear and tear of the joints as you age, or it can develop as a result of injury.
difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
OA is most often seen in the elderly. However, it is sometimes seen in young people who use excess of a particular joint – such as tennis players and other athletes – or who have suffered serious injuries.
RA is an autoimmune disease. Joint damage from RA is not due to normal wear and tear. It attacks your body itself.
Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis
Seropositive RA is the most common type of RA. This type of arthritis can run in families. Seropositive RA can cause more serious symptoms than seronegative RA.
Symptoms of seropositive RA may present:
- Morning stiffness lasts 30 minutes or more
- Swelling and pain in multiple joints
- Swelling and pain in symmetrical joints
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
RA is not always confined to the joints. Some people with seropositive RA may experience inflammation of the eyes, salivary glands, nerves, kidneys, lungs, heart, skin and blood vessels.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
RA is a chronic disease characterized by symptoms of inflammation and pain in the joints. These signs and symptoms occur during periods known as burning or stiffness. Other times are known as the forgiveness period – during which time the symptoms disappear completely.
Although the symptoms of RA can affect different parts of the body, the common symptoms of RA include:
- Pain in the joints
- Swelling of the joint
- Joint stiffness
- Decreased joint efficacy and distortion
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. It’s important not to ignore your symptoms, even if they come and go. Knowing the early symptoms of RA will help you and your healthcare provider better treat and manage it.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The exact cause of RA is not known. However, some factors seem to play a role in the risk of developing RA or triggering its onset.
Among the factors that may increase your risk for RA are:
- Being a woman
- RA has a family history
Elements that can trigger RA include:
- Exposure to certain types of bacteria, such as those related to periodontal disease
- Has a history of viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, which causes mononucleosis
- Injury or injury, such as a broken bone or fracture, displacement of a joint and damage to a ligament
- Smoking
- Obesity
The cause may not be known but there are many risks and triggers.
Rheumatoid arthritis in hands
Arthritis in the hands can start as a low level burning sensation that you feel at the end of the day. Finally, you may feel pain that is not necessarily using your hands. This pain can be quite severe if you do not treat it.
You may also feel:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Warmth
- Hardness
If cartilage goes into your joints, you may notice some deformity in your hands. You may have a crushing sensation in the joints of your hands, fingers, and big joints, if the cartilage is completely damaged.
As the disease progresses, fluid-filled sacs or synovial cysts usually develop in the small joints of the wrists, knees, elbows, ankles, and hands. These cysts are not without complications and in some cases tenders may rupture.
You can develop knee growth in damaged joints, called bone spurs. Over time, bone spurs can make it harder to use your hands.
If you have RA on hand, your healthcare provider will work with you on exercises that can help you maintain mobility and function.
Exercise along with other types of treatment can help reduce inflammation and stop the progression of the disease.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Diagnosis of RA may take time and may require multiple lab tests to confirm clinical test results. Your healthcare provider will use a variety of tools to diagnose RA.
First, they will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will also do a physical examination of your joints. This will include:
- Looking swollen and reddish
- Examine joint function and range of motion
- Touching the affected joints to check the warmth and softness
- Test your reflexes and muscle strength
If they suspect RA, they will probably refer you to a specialist called a rheumatologist.
Since no single test can confirm the diagnosis of RA, your healthcare provider or rheumatologist can use a variety of tests.
They may test your blood for certain substances, such as antibodies, or levels of certain substances, such as acute phase reactants. These can be symptoms of RA and can help diagnose the disease.
They may request some imaging tests, such as ultrasound, X-rays, or MRI.
Tests not only show whether joint damage has occurred but how severe the damage is.
For some people with RA, a thorough evaluation and observation of other organ systems may be recommended.
Blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis
There are a variety of blood tests that can help your healthcare provider or rheumatologist determine if you have RA. These tests include:
Rheumatoid factor test: RF blood tests test for a protein called rheumatoid factor. High levels of rheumatoid factor are associated with autoimmune diseases, especially RA.
Anticitrullinated protein antibody test (anti-CCP): This test looks for an antibody that is associated with RA. People who have these antibodies usually get this disease. However, not everyone, including RA, tests positive for this antibody. Anti-CCP is more specific for AB RA than RF testing
Anti-nuclear antibody test: The anti-nuclear antibody panel checks your immune system to see if it is producing antibodies. Your body can produce antibodies in response to a variety of conditions, including RA.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate test: The ESR test helps determine the level of inflammation in your body. The results tell your doctor if there is inflammation. However, it does not indicate the cause of the inflammation.
C-reactive protein test: Severe infections or significant inflammation anywhere in your body can trigger your liver to make C-reactive protein. High levels of this inflammatory marker are associated with RA.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
There is no cure for RA, but there are some treatments that can help you manage it.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and physicians alike can keep their toes in place as they find the best way to treat the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.
Recently, advances in treatment strategies for people with rheumatoid arthritis have resulted in improved outcomes and improved quality of life. Target Rheumatoid Arthritis is a treatment philosophy that rheumatologists use to manage this disease effectively.
The treat-to-target approach has resulted in fewer symptoms and higher discount rates for RA. Treatment strategies involved:
- Setting goals for a specific test that indicates remission or less disease status
- Examine acute phase responses and monitor monthly to evaluate progress of treatment and management plan
- If there is no progress, change the medication method quickly.
Treatment for RA helps to manage pain and control the inflammatory response which in many cases can be forgiven. Reducing inflammation can help prevent further joint and organ damage.
Treatment may include:
- Medicine
- Alternative or home remedies
- Dietary changes
- Certain types of exercises
Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your treatment.
For many people, these treatments help them lead an active life and reduce their risk of long-term complications.
Home Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Combining some home remedies and lifestyle can help improve your quality of life while living with RA. These include exercise, rest and assistive devices.
Exercise:
Low impact exercises can help improve range of motion in your joints and increase your mobility. Exercise can also strengthen muscles, which can help relieve some stress from your joints.
You can also try gentle yoga which can help you regain strength and flexibility.
Get enough rest:
You may need more rest during the flare-up and less time to forgive. Getting enough sleep will help reduce fatigue as well as inflammation and pain.
Apply heat or cold:
Ice packs or cold compresses can help reduce inflammation and pain. These can also be effective against muscle cramps.
You can substitute cold with hot treatments such as warm showers and hot compresses. This can help reduce stiffness.
Try assistive devices:
Some devices such as splints and braces can hold your joints in a relaxed position. It can help reduce inflammation.
Canes and crutches can help you maintain mobility, even in a burning situation. You can install occupancy bars and handrails along household appliances such as bathrooms and stairs.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
Your healthcare provider or dietitian may recommend an anti-inflammatory diet to help with your symptoms. This type of diet includes foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods rich in omega-fat fatty acids include:
- Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, herring and mackerel
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Walnuts
Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E and selenium can also help reduce inflammation. Foods rich in antioxidants include:
- Berries, such as blueberries, cranberries, goji berries and strawberries
- Black chocolate
- Spinach
- Kidney beans
- Pecan
- Artichokes
It is also important to eat plenty of fiber. According to some researchers, fiber can help reduce the inflammatory response that can lower C-reactive protein levels. Choose whole grain foods, fresh vegetables and fresh fruits. Strawberries can be especially beneficial.
Foods rich in flavonoids can also help fight inflammation in the body. They are connected:
- Soy products, such as tofu and miso
- Berry
- Green tea
- Broccoli
- Grapes
What you don’t eat is just as important as what you eat. Be sure to avoid trigger foods. These include processed carbohydrates and saturated or trans fats.
Choosing the right foods by avoiding trigger foods and trying to follow anti-inflammatory foods can help you manage your RA.
FAQ
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis - RA is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and damage to the human body. The joint damage that RA causes usually occurs on both sides of the body.
How serious is rheumatoid arthritis?
Since RA is a progressive disease, the symptoms usually get worse. If left untreated, it can cause severe damage to the joints and serious complications to the major organs. However, there are several effective treatments and proper treatment is important to manage the progression of RA.
What are the 3 symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: Gentle, warm, swollen joints. Joint stiffness which usually worsens in the morning and after inactivity. Decreased fatigue, fever and appetite.
What are the five symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
5 warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis Pain in the joints. Tenderness or joint pain is one of the most common symptoms in patients with RA. Hardness. Morning stiffness which can last from thirty minutes to two hours is another frequently cited problem. Swelling. Fatigue. Decreased effectiveness.
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Curable?
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. But clinical studies indicate that symptoms are more likely to be relieved if treatment is started with drugs known as anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
