Description of Rheumatoid Arthritis :
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-lasting autoimmune disorder. Rheumatoid arthritis is a very chronic disease that gradually worsens over time. Rheumatoid arthritis especially affects the small joints of the wrists, feet, fingers, and ankles, and the joints are swollen and resulting in immobility and painful distortion occurs.
Due to Rheumatoid Arthritis :
Although its cause is still unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, such as :1. Genetic Factors: Some genes that increase the risk of RA and RA are hereditary in nature.
2. Infection: Certain viruses, bacteria, and fungi are believed to increase the risk of RA.
3. Environmental factors: Environmental factors include exposure to silica, pesticides, air pollution, and smoking.
4. RA is an autoimmune disorder in which our immune system starts attacking its own body. And the antibodies present in the bloodstream target the body's own tissues and this causes inflammation of the joints.
5. RA in women is three times more common than in men. The prevalence rate increases after the age of 40.
6. A strong family history of RA increases a person's chances of developing the disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms & Signs :
1. RA is a systemic disease, which means that inflammation can affect other parts of the body besides the joints.2. Usually RA begins with tenderness and pain in the small joints on both the left and right sides, followed by swelling or stiffness.
3. It usually involves the small joints of the hands, feet and neck and some people may also experience fever, fatigue, rash and loss of appetite.
These symptoms usually subside gradually and flare up after a week or within a month.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Test :
1. Primarily, RA is diagnosed through a detailed history of signs and symptoms, X-rays and confirmatory blood tests.2. Blood tests are done for the presence of rheumatoid factor and anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA).
3. Other tests include kidney function, liver test, ESR, C-reactive protein and full blood count.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment :
Treatment of RA includes one or more of the following medications, depending on the severity of symptoms.1. Medications: Analgesics such as DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) and NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are used to treat inflammation and pain and reduce joint damage.
2. Surgery: With the help of surgery, synovectomy means that the layer of the damaged joint is removed. And at a later stage joint replacement surgery may be required.
3. Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is recommended to keep the joints flexible. Electric heating bags or hot water bags can be used to provide temporary relief from joint swelling and pain.
4. Diet: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and gamma-linolenic acid has been shown to help reduce joint pain, tenderness and stiffness.