Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints, treating them as foreign invaders. This leads to inflammation, causing the joints to become stiff, swollen, and painful.

Common Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include:

•  Joint pain
•  Stiffness in the joints, particularly in the morning
•  Swelling and Redness in the joints
•  Low-grade fever
•  Overall fatigue

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Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is no single cause of rheumatoid arthritis, but several factors may contribute to its development, including:

• Genetic factors
• Immune system problems
• Environmental factors (e.g., infections caused by bacteria or viruses)
• Smoking

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Based on the patient’s history and physical examination, the doctor may prescribe one or more of the following tests and imaging tools to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and develop a personalized treatment plan:

Laboratory Tests:

• Rheumatoid factor (RF) test
• Anti-CCP antibody test

Imaging Tools:

• X-ray: To assess the extent of joint damage, especially in the bones
• Ultrasound: To evaluate inflammation in the joints
• MRI: To assess the severity of the condition and detect soft tissue involvement
• CT scan: to assess tissue damage

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Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The stages of rheumatoid arthritis are as follows:

• Stage 1: Inflammation affects only the tissues around the joint, with no damage to the cartilage or bone.
• Stage 2: Inflammation begins to affect the cartilage, causing some restriction in joint movement.
• Stage 3: Inflammation reaches the bone, causing significant damage and severe limitations in the joint’s range of motion. This damage is often visible on X-rays.

Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medications:

• NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These are commonly used to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
• Steroids: Potent anti-inflammatory medications prescribed for quick symptom relief. They are generally used short-term with a tapering-off plan and tend to cause fewer stomach-related side effects than NSAIDs.
• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs): A class of medications that help slow the progression of the disease by altering the immune system’s abnormal response, aiming to prevent further joint damage.
• Biologic Therapy: These medications specifically target inflammatory cells and cytokines and newly targeted synthetic DMARDs that cut the inflammatory signaling that contributes to the tissue damage seen in rheumatoid arthritis.

Since these medications can affect your immune system, it is important not to take them if you have an active infection. Doctors may perform specific immune system-related tests to ensure your body can safely tolerate these drugs.

Lifestyle Modifications:

In addition to medications, certain lifestyle changes can enhance treatment effectiveness and improve disease progression. These may include:

• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on the joints.
• Regular Exercise: Despite joint pain and discomfort, staying active is important. Exercise helps to strengthen muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and support overall health, assisting the body in managing the condition.

Surgery:

Surgery is considered a last resort when joint or bone damage is severe. It may be recommended to restore function or repair significant damage.

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Preventive Measures and Tips for Management

• Avoid Sources of Infection: infection precipitates attacks of the disease, these are some tips on how to avoid infection,
  • Flu Vaccine: During the winter season, opt for the flu vaccine to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before and after meals for at least 10 seconds to remove bacteria and viruses. Be sure to do the same after using the toilet. Proper hand hygiene is crucial in preventing infections.
  • Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice daily to eliminate bacteria that can spread to your gut and bloodstream, potentially causing infections.
• Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:
  • Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is essential, as being overweight puts extra pressure on your joints and can contribute to inflammation.
  • Dietary Choices: Pay attention to what you eat. Avoid highly salted foods like pickles, and opt for nutrient-rich foods, especially those high in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and fish oil.
  • Exercise: Commit to regular physical activity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Working with a team or exercise partner can help keep you motivated and consistent. Set increasing targets to improve your fitness over time.

When should I see a rheumatoid arthritis specialist?

You should consult a rheumatologist if you experience joint pain, swelling, redness, along with general fatigue and morning stiffness lasting for at least one continuous week. These are warning signs that indicate the need for a medical check-up and the start of appropriate treatment. For imaging and blood tests to indicate the course of the disease and the effectiveness of the treatment
To get imaging and blood tests done to assess the progression of the disease and evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

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Why Choose Reem Hospital for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment?

At Reem Hospital, we believe in the power of medicine to manage rheumatoid arthritis. This commitment drives us to offer personalized treatments, from the latest medications approved by the DOH to minimally invasive surgeries with quicker recovery when necessary. Additionally, our comprehensive rehabilitation program ensures that you are guided every step of the way on your recovery journey, providing the best care for rheumatoid arthritis patients.

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