Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes deformities in the joints. It is most commonly seen in the fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, jaw joints, hips, and knees. It typically affects joints on both sides of the body simultaneously (for example, both hips). It has a likelihood of occurring in 2-3% of the total population. Women are three times more likely to develop it than men.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually first appears in early adulthood or middle age. However, it might not manifest until later years. It can occur as a single episode, but more often, it comes and goes in recurring flares. There is no definitive cure, but medications can reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis is a disease of the immune system. In this scenario, due to a malfunction in the immune system, the body's defense cells attack its own tissue. Those with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk of contracting the disease.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Joint pain and stiffness (especially in the morning hours)

• Swelling, redness, and increased warmth in the joints

• Deformities in the joints

• Low-grade fever, fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Anemia

• Small lumps under the skin (nodules)

In severe cases, there can also be more extensive disorders affecting the circulatory system, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, swelling, and joint damage, ensuring the joint continues to function correctly. There are many different medications used for this purpose. Painkillers, corticosteroid-type drugs, and other medicines related to the immune system can be prescribed.

Physical therapy can be applied to correct affected joints and muscles.

Rheumatoid arthritis might only cause one attack throughout a lifetime. However, it more frequently progresses in recurring flares, which can gradually worsen over time. The duration of these flare-ups varies from person to person and usually lasts for weeks.

There's no known definitive method to prevent rheumatoid arthritis attacks. However, by adhering to the following, one can reduce symptoms and prevent permanent joint damage:

• Medications prescribed by the physician should be taken very regularly.

• If the joint is painful, swollen, and warm, it should not be moved excessively; one should rest.

• Exercises provided by the physiotherapist should be performed regularly.

• One should maintain good overall health by adhering to a balanced, healthy diet with low fat content.