Written by: Mahima Bharal

Edited by: Anushka Godambe

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disorder, in which the immune system impairs its healthy cells, thus causing inflammation in the affected parts. Consequently, the lining of the joints are damaged causing inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can possibly affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, etc.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:

Pain, stiffness, and tenderness in more than one joint
Same symptoms on both sides of the body (both hands or both knees)
Loss of appetite
Fever
Fatigue

At the outset of rheumatoid arthritis, smaller joints, such as those attaching fingers to hands and toes to feet, are affected. As arthritis settles in, its symptoms often spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformation of joints. Peaked symptoms are referred to as flares, which alternate with remission, a period at which symptoms are not as heightened.

Causes

Rheumatoid arthritis prevails when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own joint tissue.This triggers the body to make antibodies, resulting in the swelling of the synovial membrane, or the lining of joints. In turn, the synovium thickens, which eventually destroys the cartilage and bone within the joint. Gradually, the joint loses its shape and alignment and causes difficulty in movement. If left untreated, the joints are invaded by fibrous connective tissues which then causes the joints to fuse, further impairing movements. It’s important to note that such damaged joints can possibly press on nerves, thus causing nerve pain.

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages because its outset symptoms resemble those of other inflammatory diseases. Rheumatologists, doctors who specialize in arthritis, can, however, correctly diagnose it. A doctor may check the joints for swelling and redness. Blood tests, X-rays, lab tests, MRI and Ultrasound tests are also recommended by doctors to further understand the severity of the disease.

Treatments

There is no current cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but it can be effectively treated with medication. Treatment usually includes the use of medications, including Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), and Steroids and Biological Response Modifiers (biological agents).

Therapy is also considered effective in managing rheumatoid arthritis by keeping the joints flexible.

If the medications are not effective, then surgery is suggested. Some surgical procedures include:

Synovectomy (removal of synovium)
Tendon repair
Joint fusion (fusion of a joint for realignment of joint and pain relief)
Total joint replacement (removal of the damaged parts of the joint and insertion of a prosthesis)

Rheumatoid arthritis can also be managed by maintaining a proper diet and exercise.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder that damages, swells, and disorients the joints. The main symptoms include swelling and pain in joints on both sides of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause nerve pain and harm other organs of the body like the eyes, lungs, heart etc. It can be correctly diagnosed by a rheumatologist, who may recommend blood tests, X rays, and MRI. Rheumatoid arthritis can be cured by medications including DMARDs, NSAIDs, steroids, and biological agents. It can also be treated by surgical procedures including synovectomy, tendon repair, joint fusion, etc. Rheumatoid arthritis can also be managed under a proper diet, ample exercise, and competent rest.

Sources

Rheumatoid arthritis - diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. (2019). Mayoclinic.Org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353653

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More. (2014). Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis

(2020). Krv.Co.In. https://krv.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/122-1.png

Donvito, T. (2019, June 4). The 4 Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis Progression. CreakyJoints. https://creakyjoints.org/treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis-stages-progression/

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). (2019). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Rheumatoid Arthritis