Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Facts
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that occurs in joints on both sides of the body (such as both hands, wrists or knees). This pairing is what distinguishes rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, nerves or kidneys.
How does rheumatoid arthritis develop?
Rheumatoid arthritis is different in everyone. For most people, joint symptoms develop gradually over several years, although in some cases it may progress rapidly. Some people also have periods of remission.
- Joint pain and swelling
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods of time
- Fatigue
Who is affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is three times more common in women than men and it usually occurs in people 20 to 50 years old. But young and elderly people can develop the condition.
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
Scientists believe that it is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental and hormonal factors.
In rheumatoid arthritis, something triggers the immune system to attack the joints and sometimes other organs.
British researchers said Monday that they discovered that B-cells, which are white blood cells that defend the body against infection, become errant and attack joints and tissues in arthritis sufferers.
How does inflammation affect joints?
The increased number of cells and inflammatory substances within the joint cause irritation and wear down the cartilage, causing the joint lining to swell. This causes the joint lining to produce fluid.
As the cartilage wears down, the space between the bones narrows and the bones could rub against each other.
As the joint lining grows, it may invade the bone and result in irreversible damage to the bone.
How does a doctor make a diagnosis?
- A blood test for the rheumatoid factor
- Identification of joint stiffness and its location
- Identification of bumps and nodules under the skin which are known as rheumatoid nodules
Many, but not all, people with rheumatoid arthritis have the rheumatoid-factor antibody in their blood.
- Medication
- Rest and exercise
- Surgery to correct damage to the joint
Medications used in treatment:
- Aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, otherwise known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Corticosteroids such as Prednisone
- Antimalarial medications such as hydroxychloroquine
- Methotrexate, sulfasalazine, penicillamine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, and minocycline
What can the patient do to ease the pain?
It is important for arthritis sufferers to get plenty of rest and exercise. During periods when they feel good, they should use exercises that allow them to maintain the flexibility of the joints and that will strengthen their muscles.
When the inflammation worsens the joints should be rested. This can be accomplished by using a cane or joint splints.
If the bone damage from the arthritis becomes severe and the pain cannot be controlled with medications, surgery is suggested.
