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first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis :: Article Creator

Rheumatoid Arthritis Warning Signs: What To Look Out For

Rheumatoid Arthritis image © Provided by Getty Images Rheumatoid Arthritis image

Overview

A chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints. This results in painful joints, swelling and stiffness in the joints.

Symptoms

Symptoms include swollen joints, stiff joint, joint pain, fatigue, lung inflammation, nodules on the skin.

Causes

It is an autoimmune disease as the immune system attacks the body's own cells and tissues.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves physical exam in combination with several tests. No single test can be used alone for diagnosis. Early stages of rheumatoid arthritis are difficult to diagnose since signs are non-specific.

→ Common treatment options

→ How is this diagnosed?

Highlights

  • Treatments can help manage condition, no known cure
  • Diagnosed by medical professional
  • Requires lab test or imaging
  • Common for ages 50 and older
  • More common in females
  • Family history may increase likelihood

    • Medications

    DMARDs - Disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs: Relieves pain and slows down the progression.

    Methotrexate . Sulfasalazine

    Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Reduces inflammation.

    Ibuprofen . Naproxen

    Corticosteroids: Reduce pain, swelling and slows down damage to joints.

    Prednisolone

    Biologics: Suppress the immune system.

    Anakinra . Tocilizumab

    → Questions to ask your doctor

    → Interested to know more? Check out the full article here


    Professional FAQs: What Is The Prognosis For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

    © Provided by Getty Images MD · 40 years of experience · USA

    Factors impacting RA prognosis include an individual's age, disease progression, and lifestyle factors, like smoking and being overweight.

    MBBS · 3 years of experience · India

    Most common in women. Causes: Inflammation. Swelling. Pain. Stiffness of joint.

    → See more questions and expert answers related to rheumatoid arthritis.

    → Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

    MBBS · 4 years of experience · India

    It depends on the age of diagnosis and severity. Few patients will have a good prognosis if the disease is mild and treatment is started early. If someone has developed deformities already, they have poor prognosis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a lifelong disease which also has other system involvement.

    → See more questions and expert answers related to rheumatoid arthritis.

    → Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

    Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.


    Rheumatoid Arthritis VS Osteoarthritis: Expert Explains The Difference Between The Two

    Rheumatoid Arthritis VS Osteoarthritis: Expert Explains The Difference Between The Two

    Yoga For Health & Wellness

    Have you ever experienced that sudden twinge of pain in your joints, making even the simplest tasks feel troublesome? Or perhaps you've noticed a persistent ache that refuses to fade away. It's likely because of two common conditions: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. But what sets them apart? 

    Dr R A Purnachandra Tejaswi, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with Special Interest in Sports Medicine, Reconstructive Arthroscopy and Joint Preservation Surgery, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, explained the difference between Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

    Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

    wrist-pain

    According to data by Arthritis India, RA affects about 0.92% of the adult population in India. 

    Dr Tejaswi said that RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the body tends to develop antibodies against our cells which cause inflammation and slow destruction. Tests, such as Rheumatoid Factor (RF) and Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (CCP) antibodies help identify the type of antibodies and individualise treatment.

    OA, on the other hand, is not an autoimmune disorder. It is a form of normal age-related degeneration that the body undergoes. It occurs in people above 60 years of age and involves degeneration of the cartilage of the joints. According to Global Burden of Diseases data, around 23.46 million people in India had OA in 1990, which grew to 62.35 million in 2019.

    Also Read: Sleep Problems And Rheumatoid Arthritis: Expert Lists Tips To Overcome Sleep Trouble

    How Does It Affect Your Body?

    One of the key distinctions between the two conditions lies in their onset. RA typically develops in a symmetrical pattern, affecting both sides of the body simultaneously or similarly. In contrast, OA often develops asymmetrically, affecting one joint or one side of the body more than the other.

    How Do Their Symptoms Vary?

    joint-pain

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    RA is characterised by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that tend to be more pronounced in the mornings and after periods of inactivity. The joints may feel warm to the touch, and individuals may experience fatigue, fever, and weight loss.

    Osteoarthritis

    Signs and symptoms are local and include vague pain in the affected joints and worsening with weight bearing. Although all the joints can be affected, the most common ones are knees, hips, and shoulders decreasing the ordering of frequency. Unlike RA, osteoarthritis symptoms tend to improve with rest.

    How Does The Symptoms Progress

    osteoarthritis

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    RA is a chronic condition that can lead to joint deformity and functional disability if not managed effectively. It has a more unpredictable course and can affect various organs, potentially causing systemic complications. 

    Also Read: Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Affect Your Lungs Too: Expert Explains The Cause

    Osteoarthritis

    In the early stages, OA can be managed with lifestyle modifications like weight loss, exercise, and avoiding certain positions like squatting, stairs, etc. Regenerative therapies like Platelet Rich Plasma injections and BMAC injections are an option in the early stages to delay the progression.

    Difference Between The Treatment 

    joints-pain

    The treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis differ due to their distinct underlying mechanisms.

    Osteoarthritis

    Pharmaceuticals include acetaminophen, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) mainly during episodes of exacerbation. In cases of advanced osteoarthritis, one needs to undergo replacement of the affected joints to improve quality of life and relieve pain. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to provide temporary relief. Lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, exercise, and physical therapy play a crucial role in managing osteoarthritis symptoms and maintaining joint health.

    Rheumatoid Arthritis

    RA management focuses on controlling inflammation and modifying the immune response. Treatment includes the use of Disease Modifying Agent Drugs to suppress the disease process and NSAIDS for symptomatic relief. Advanced drugs, such as biologicals, are available for advanced diseases when multiple organ systems are involved. 

    Bottomline

    Dr Tejaswi concluded that early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis are critical to preventing additional joint deterioration and maximising functional abilities. However, if the joints are destroyed as a result of disease progression, they must be replaced.





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