Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder that causes inflammation in the joints. While most people believe rheumatoid arthritis is common in the older population, the condition can affect all age groups. This is because your immune system attacks the healthy tissues in the joints damaging the cartilage. This causes pain and stiffness in the joints.
RA is usually observed in small joints such as fingers, wrists, and ankles but can also be seen in larger joints like knees, elbows, shoulders & hips. However, in severe conditions, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other body parts like the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, etc. In addition, rheumatoid arthritis tends to develop symmetrically affecting both sides of the body. Let us deep dive to understand more about rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is usually distinguished into the following types:
Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms are often confused with osteoarthritis since both conditions affect the joints. However, the severity of inflammation is more in RA. Early rheumatoid arthritis affects smaller joints and as the disease progresses, spreads to larger joints on both sides of the body.
People with RA sometimes experience flares as the condition deteriorates. A flare refers to the time when the patient may have significant symptoms after feeling better for a while. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms usually experience the following:
Consult an orthopedic doctor for your rheumatoid arthritis if you are persistently experiencing pain, discomfort and swelling in the joints. You can also schedule an appointment if your treatment method is not effective and your symptoms are not improving with time. It is important to get the right guidance from the specialist to get effective treatment for your condition.
While the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, the condition is associated with an autoimmune disorder where the immune system produces inflammation that settles in the joints. The source of the disorder is known to be triggered by certain viruses and bacterial infections.
In addition, there are several risk factors that can increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Risk factors include:
The initial stages of rheumatoid arthritis are hard to distinguish since the symptoms can mimic other conditions. Therefore, orthopedic doctors generally recommend diagnostic tests and perform physical examinations to determine the cause of joint pain as rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis usually involves the following tests:
The treatment for rheumatoid arthritis involves certain medications and therapies to reduce joint pain and swelling. However, in case of severe inflammation, surgical intervention is inevitable. The goal of the treatment is to stop the process of inflammation and help maintain or improve joint function.
Some patients prolong the treatment which can lead to joint deformity and result in the loss of strength. Therefore, doctors generally recommend seeking timely care for a high success rate. Here are some treatment methods for rheumatoid arthritis cure:
Most arthroscopies are performed as outpatient procedures which means the patient doe not require more than 24 hospital stay. However, you will be discharged only after the doctor suspects no complications after the procedure.
Rukmani Birla Hospital (RBH) is a multispeciality hospital with modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology that ensures comprehensive patient care. RBH provides full medical care and outpatient procedures for patients seeking treatment in orthopedics & joint replacement. The advantages of choosing RBH for your Rheumatoid Arthritis cure are:
Get in touch with our expert doctors at Rukmani Birla Hospital, Jaipur for complete orthopedics care and treatment.
Surgery is best recommended for patients with chronic pain and discomfort that does not go away with medications and drug therapies. Surgical intervention is an effective method to treat pain and improve or restore normal muscle and joint movement. Consult our orthopedic doctor in case you are experiencing severe pain in the joints.
Yes, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis which is prevalent in children under the age of 16. The symptoms usually include swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints. Unlike RA in adults which can be chronic, children usually outgrow juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis refers to the ‘wear and tear’ that usually occur with age and causes the wearing away of the cartilage that caps the bones in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition where the immune system attacks the tissues causing inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis is more common and usually occurs in older people whereas rheumatoid arthritis can occur in any age group.
Since the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known, doctors often recommend the following to decrease the risk of developing the disease:
Chronic RA can increase the risk of several complications like:
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