Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the joints. It can also affect other organs in the body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue.
The disease most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60, but it can occur at any age. The cause of it is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no cure for the disease, but people can manage it with medication and lifestyle changes.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is believed that it is caused by an abnormality in the body's immune system. In people with this disease, the body's immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation. This inflammation can damage the joints and surrounding tissues.
Several risk factors may increase your chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis. These include:
Age: Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects people between the ages of 40 and 60. However, it can occur at any age.
Gender: Women are more likely to develop it than men.
Family history: If you have a family member with the disease, you may be at increased risk of developing the condition.
Smoking
Obesity
Autoimmune disorders: People with autoimmune conditions, such as lupus or Crohn's disease, are at increased risk of the disease.
Environmental factors: Exposure to certain environmental factors, such as silica dust, may increase your risk.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms typically develop gradually and may include the following:
Joint pain: The disease typically affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. The joints may feel warm to the touch.
Joint inflammation: The disease causes inflammation of the joints, which can lead to joint damage.
Fatigue
Fever
Weight loss
There is no single test that can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, the diagnosis is made based on a combination of factors, including:
Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.
Physical examination: Your doctor will examine your joints for swelling, redness, and warmth.
Laboratory tests: Blood tests look for inflammation markers or rule out other conditions.
Imaging tests: X-rays or other imaging tests may assess joint damage.
Biopsy: A biopsy of the affected joint may confirm the diagnosis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
There is no cure for this disease, but people can manage the condition with medication and lifestyle changes. Treatment may also help to prevent joint damage and preserve joint function.
There are a variety of medications that individuals can use to manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. These include:
Anti-inflammatory drugs: These drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and prevent joint damage. These drugs include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine.
Biologic agents: Biologic agents are a type of DMARD. They work by targeting specific proteins involved in the immune response. Biologic agents include adalimumab, etanercept, and infliximab.
Corticosteroids: These drugs, such as prednisone, can be used to reduce inflammation.
Pain relievers: Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, can be used to relieve pain.
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Several lifestyle changes can help to manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. These include:
Exercise: Exercise can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. It is essential to avoid high-impact activities, such as running, which can exacerbate joint pain.
Weight loss: Losing weight can help to reduce joint pain and inflammation.
Heat and cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected joints can help to relieve pain.
Quit smoking: Smoking cigarettes can worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Quitting smoking may help to reduce symptoms.
In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery options include:
Joint replacement: Joints severely damaged by rheumatoid arthritis may need to be replaced with artificial joints.
Arthrodesis: This procedure involves fusing bones in the affected joint. This procedure is typically used in the spine or fingers.
Tendon repair: Rheumatoid arthritis can damage the tendons that connect muscles to bones. These tendons may need to be repaired surgically.
Osteotomy: This procedure involves cutting and realigning bones to relieve joint pain.
