A chronic autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) erroneously destroys body’s healthy tissues, causing inflammation in the joints. Usually, RA strikes the joints in the hands, but it can also affect parts like knees, ankles, neck, hips, feet, elbows and jaw. In some cases, if the condition is left untreated, it can cause joint deformity and bone erosion. Moreover, in severe cases, it can also end up damaging some functions of the heart, lung, skin, and eyes.
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
RA progresses slowly, therefore, its symptoms might not appear prominently in the earlier stages, i.e., they may come and go intermittently. However, as the time passes, these become increasingly recurrent and bothersome. The following are some common signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Swelling
A fluid known as synovium which protects the joints starts to swell when the immune system begins to attack it. Therefore, the joints appear to be engorged. - Pain
The inflammation of synovium results in joint pain, making it tender and sensitive. - Stiffness
As compared to the other forms of arthritis, the joint stiffness which occurs due to rheumatoid arthritis is comparatively more severe. It becomes challenging for the patient to move around, especially after waking up in the morning or resting. Consequently, it can take more than an hour for the joints to get back to normal. - Warmth
The joints damaged by RA seem to feel warmer due to the swelling. Moreover, the skin around the joints could also turn reddish in color.
Apart from the primary symptoms that affect the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can be accompanied by additional signs such as:
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Iron deficiency
- Flu-like symptoms
Certain patients can be affected by rare symptoms such as:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Rheumatoid nodules, i.e., fleshy nodules on hands, feet or below the elbows
- Swelling of the eyes
- Hoarse voice
- Inflammation of the body parts like lungs or the membrane around the heart which could lead to trouble while breathing or chest pain
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
In its initial stages, rheumatoid arthritis can be a bit tricky to diagnose as its signs can be similar to a wide variety of diseases. Therefore, the doctor will recommend multiple diagnostic tests to confirm the condition.
Individuals with RA often have elevated inflammation levels in the body. These levels can be determined with the help of ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and CRP (C-reactive protein). Likewise, anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide) antibodies in the blood can also help in detecting the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
The doctors will also use imaging test like x-rays to observe the progress of the RA at various stages. Likewise, to understand the impact of the disease, doctors use ultrasound and MRI scans.
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Depending on the severity of RA, doctors can implement treatments that combine prescribed medications and physical therapy. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs), corticosteroids and biologic agents are some medications that are used to treat RA. Similarly, a physical therapist will guide the RA patient about how to effectively function carry out daily tasks as well as recommend exercises to improve the symptoms of RA. If these treatments don’t work, then patients might have to opt for surgeries like joint fusion, synovectomy, tendon repair or total joint replacement.
