Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease with no current cure. While it cannot be eradicated, symptoms can be managed to improve a patient's quality of life. The condition primarily impacts joints but can also involve organs like the lungs, eyes, and voice box.

Symptoms

This disease often involves both hands and feet, causing swelling, pain, redness, and tenderness in joints like the wrists, elbows, and knees. Other affected areas include hips, neck, and jaw. The exact cause remains unknown, but genetic alterations are believed to play a significant role, especially in women.

The presentation of symptoms varies among individuals, requiring multiple tests for accurate diagnosis. Typical signs include joint inflammation accompanied by:

Stiffness

Joint stiffness is prominent, especially in the mornings, lasting over an hour and limiting mobility.

Redness and Warmth

Infected joints appear red and feel warm upon touch.

Swelling

Fluid buildup causes puffiness in affected joints.

Pain

Inflammation results in tenderness and sensitivity. Over time, joint damage leads to persistent pain. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can cause systemic symptoms like fatigue, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Some patients develop rheumatoid nodules, firm bumps beneath the skin, often on elbows.

The immune system's response is compromised, and persistent swelling with morning stiffness indicates possible rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis involves blood tests for RF factors and antinuclear antibodies, alongside other assessments.

Management and Treatment

Therapies include medications, regular exercise, and occupational counseling. Severe joint damage may require surgical intervention. Early detection and treatment significantly help control symptoms and slow disease progression.

Medications

Pain relief and inflammation reduction are primary goals. NSAIDs can manage symptoms but do not prevent joint deterioration. Long-term NSAID use may cause blood pressure increases, stomach issues, or ulcers. Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) are prescribed to slow disease progression but carry risks like infections and side effects.

If standard drugs are ineffective, biologic agents — genetically engineered proteins targeting immune responses — are used, though they increase infection risk due to immune suppression. Corticosteroids are also employed during flare-ups for quick symptom relief.

Rehabilitation

Physical and occupational therapies are essential complements to medication. Physical therapy aims to reduce stiffness and improve mobility through tailored exercises. Cold and hot compresses ease pain, whereas occupational therapy helps manage daily activities efficiently. Cognitive therapy addresses emotional well-being, helping patients cope with chronic pain. Early intervention and comprehensive treatment can significantly mitigate rheumatoid arthritis's impact.