Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis where your immune system attacks the tissue lining the joints of your body. It occurs in the joints on both sides of your body, which makes it different from other types of arthritis. RA usually starts to develop between the ages of 30 and 60. But anyone can develop rheumatoid arthritis.
You may have symptoms of pain and inflammation in your:
- Wrist, hands and fingers
- Knees
- Ankles
- Feet and Toes
Uncontrolled inflammation damages cartilage, which normally acts as a “shock absorber” in your joints. In time, this can deform your joints.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
- Pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness in more than one joint
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
- Pain and stiffness in the same joints on both sides of your body
- Extreme tiredness
What are the risk factors for developing rheumatoid arthritis?
- Family history: You’re more likely to develop RA if you have a close relative who also has it
- Sex: Women and people designated female at birth are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop
- Smoking: Smoking increases risk of rheumatoid arthritis and makes the disease worse
- Obesity: Your chances of developing RA are higher if you have obesity
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
Doctor do a physical examination and ask you about your medical history and symptoms.
The blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis include:
- ESR
- CRP
- Rheumatoid factor (RF)
- Anti CCP antibodies
Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Lifestyle changes
- Therapies
- Medicine
- Surgery
The most important goal of treating rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce joint pain and swelling. The long-term goal of treatment is to slow or stop joint damage. Controlling joint inflammation reduces your pain and improves your quality of life.