Medical

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

> What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (R.A)?

• It is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints.
• It is autoimmune disease.
• Cause joint pain and damage on both sides ( this is the one way by which doctors distinguish R.A from other forms of arthritis).

> What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis(R.A)?

• Common symptoms are fatigue, weight loss, fever, bumps under skin.
• They occur during periods called flares and remission.
• Flares include: 

1. Include intense stiffness in joints. 

2. Pain throughout the entire body. 

3. Swelling 

4. Flu-like symptoms.

• Duration and intensity of flares vary interfering with everyday tasks.
• Preventing flares is a better strategy than treating them.
• Remission is a period when symptoms disappear completely. 

> What is the diagnosis of R.A?

• Looking for swelling and redness.
• Examining joint function and range of motion.
• Touching affected joints to check for warmth and tenderness. 
• Testing reflexes and muscle strength.
• Certain imaging tests: Ultrasound, X-ray or MRI
• Certain blood tests: 

1. Rheumatoid factor test ( R.F blood test ) – checks for protein called rheumatoid factor. 

2. Anti Citrullinated protein antibody test (Anti CCP) – tests antibodies associated with R.A.

3. Antinuclear antibody test – tests the immune system to see if it is producing antibodies.

4. ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate) – determine the degree of inflammation in our body.

5. C-reactive protein test – a severe infection or significant inflammation anywhere in our body can trigger our liver to make C-reactive proteins. 

> What is the treatment for R.A?

1. Medications: 

1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
2. Corticosteroids
3. Acetaminophen 
4. Disease – Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARD’s) – Blocks our body immune system response and slows down progression of R.A.
5. Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors – Prevent inflammation and stop damage to joints.

2. Enough rest
3. Exercise
4. Apply heat or cold
5. Assistive devices: 

1. Splints and Braces – Hold joints in resting position and reduce inflammation.
2. Canes and Crutches – Maintain mobility even during flares.
3. Diet:

1. Anti-inflammatory diet 
2. Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids like chia seeds, flex seeds, walnuts and fatty fish like salmon, tuna, etc. 
3. Antioxidants like vitamin A, C & E and selenium found in berries, dark chocolate, spinach, kidney beans, etc.
4. Lots of  fiber.
5. Flavonoids (soy product, green tea, grapes, etc)

“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” 

                                                -William Londen

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