Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): A Chronic Inflammatory Disorder

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can significantly impact your quality of life. While primarily affecting joints, RA can also damage other body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints, RA occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. This inflammation can lead to painful swelling, bone erosion, and joint deformity.

Although modern medications have greatly improved treatment options, severe RA can still cause physical disabilities. At Tiruvalla Medical Mission Hospital, our dedicated team of rheumatologists is committed to providing comprehensive care for individuals with RA. We offer a range of services, including:

Diagnosis and assessment of RA
Customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs
Medication management to control symptoms and prevent disease progression
Physical therapy to improve joint function and mobility
Support and education to help you manage your condition effectively

Symptoms

Tenderness, warmth, and swelling in joints
Stiffness: Especially in the morning and after inactivity
Early involvement of smaller joints: Such as fingers and toes
Progression to larger joints: Including wrists, knees, and ankles
Symmetrical involvement: Same joints affected on both sides of the body

Extra-Articular Symptoms (Outside of Joints):

Skin issues: Rashes and nodules
Eye problems: Dry eyes, uveitis
Lung involvement: Interstitial lung disease
Heart complications: Pericarditis, heart failure
Kidney problems: Such as kidney stones
Salivary gland inflammation: Associated with Sjögren’s syndrome
Nerve tissue damage: For example, carpal tunnel syndrome
Bone marrow problems: Including anemia
Blood vessel issues: Such as vasculitis

Disease Course:

Varying severity of symptoms
Flares and remissions
Potential for joint deformation and misalignment

Causes

Family history: Having a family member with rheumatoid arthritis increases your risk.
Genetic markers: Certain genes have been linked to the disease, but they don’t directly cause it.

Environmental Factors:

Infections: Some studies suggest that infections with certain viruses or bacteria might trigger the immune system’s attack on healthy tissue.
Hormones: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, might affect the immune system.
Smoking: Smoking is a strong risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.
Stress: While not a direct cause, chronic stress can worsen symptoms.

Risk Factors

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Several factors can increase your risk of developing this condition:

Demographic Factors:

Sex: Women are more likely to develop RA than men.
Age: While RA can occur at any age, it most commonly begins in middle age.

Genetic Factors:

Family History: Having a family member with RA can increase your risk.

Lifestyle Factors:

Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a significant risk factor for RA, especially if you have a genetic predisposition.
Excess Weight: Being overweight can slightly increase your risk of developing RA.

Complications

Osteoporosis: How can people with RA manage their risk of osteoporosis, including dietary changes, exercise, and medication?
Rheumatoid nodules: What are the symptoms of rheumatoid nodules, and how are they treated?
Sjogren’s syndrome: What are the daily challenges for people with Sjogren’s syndrome, and what treatments are available?
Infections: How can people with RA protect themselves from infections, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Heart problems: What lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help reduce the risk of heart problems in people with RA?

Prevention

Quitting smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for RA and can accelerate its progression.
Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of RA.
Exercising: Regular physical activity can help prevent RA and improve symptoms in those who already have the condition.
Adding more omega-3 or fish into your diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and other sources, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against RA.
Cutting down on sugar-sweetened drinks: Excessive consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to inflammation, which can increase the risk of RA.

When to see a doctor

Symmetrical joint pain: If the pain and swelling are present in the same joints on both sides of your body.
Morning stiffness: If your joints feel stiff and painful in the morning, especially after a period of inactivity.
Fatigue and weakness: If you experience unexplained fatigue or weakness.
Weight loss: If you’re losing weight without trying.
Fever: If you have a low-grade fever.
Family history of autoimmune diseases: If you have a family member with rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease.