Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most frequent chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues, causing painful joints and swelling . Symptoms can range from mild to severe. B8 uyuyzg If left untreated, it results in joint destruction, deformity and significant functional impairment.
Who gets Rheumatoid arthritis ?
It is seen in all age groups , from children to older adults, but frequently seen in women between the age group 20-50 yrs . Women are 3 times more affected than men.
What are the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis?
Symptoms vary amongst each person and according to the stage of the disease. In early stages , it presents as aches and pains in the joints, mainly in small joints of hand. Joints usually feel stiff in the morning and gets better as day passes. There are days when one can suddenly wake up with extreme stiffness and unable to move out of bed. Sometimes, there is pain in one joint and tends to move to other joints on other days . You may notice intermittent swelling in joints.
Apart from hands, it can involve oher other joints too- including wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankle and foot. It can affect either few joints or multiple joints
In later stages, one may notice symptoms more frequent and intense. It might feel like “fire “ in joints. The early morning stiffness can get longer. There may be significant swelling in joints . In advanced stages, one might start noticing change in the shape of joints . JOint deformities may develop leading to significant difficulty in daily activities
Apart from hands, it can involve oher other joints too- including wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankle and foot. It can affect either few joints or multiple joints
In later stages, one may notice symptoms more frequent and intense. It might feel like “fire “ in joints. The early morning stiffness can get longer. There may be significant swelling in joints . In advanced stages, one might start noticing change in the shape of joints . JOint deformities may develop leading to significant difficulty in daily activities
Does Rheumatoid arthritis affect only joints ?
Rheumatoid arthritis predominantly affects joints , but it can affect other organs like skin, lungs , eyes, heart , kidneys, nerves , salivary glands etc. BAsed on the organ affected, it can lead to various symptoms.
Why does RHeumatoid arthritis develop ?
As with any autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis develops due to combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers . You have higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis if one of your family member is affected. But sometimes , you may not have any family member affected by this condition but carry a hidden gene , which might get triggered in certain generation leading to development of this condition.
Common environment triggers include- certain viral infections, smoking , chemical pollutants etc .
Common environment triggers include- certain viral infections, smoking , chemical pollutants etc .
Will my child have rheumatoid arthritis ?
As explained earlier, this condition develops due to combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers. If you have rheumatoid arthritis , your child might be at higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, 3 times more than the normal population. There is no preventative measures to prevent the development of arthritis , however earlier detection and treatment of condition can prevent joint inflammation and joint damage to a larger extent.
Early diagnosis, effective treatments and early intensive treatment strategies have improved the outcome of the diseases considerably in recent years. Sustained remission, prevention of functional deterioration, prevention of clinically relevant radiographic joint damage and improved survival are attributed to optimal timely therapeutic efforts
Common symptoms include tender, warm, and swollen joints, morning stiffness, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic factors make individuals more susceptible, with environmental triggers such as infections playing a role. Risk factors include being female, middle-aged, having a family history, smoking, and excess weight. Complications encompass osteoporosis, rheumatoid nodules, dry eyes and mouth leading to Sjogren’s syndrome, abnormal body composition, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart problemsn and an increased risk of lymphoma. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage.
Early diagnosis, effective treatments and early intensive treatment strategies have improved the outcome of the diseases considerably in recent years. Sustained remission, prevention of functional deterioration, prevention of clinically relevant radiographic joint damage and improved survival are attributed to optimal timely therapeutic efforts
Common symptoms include tender, warm, and swollen joints, morning stiffness, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. The exact cause is unknown, but genetic factors make individuals more susceptible, with environmental triggers such as infections playing a role. Risk factors include being female, middle-aged, having a family history, smoking, and excess weight. Complications encompass osteoporosis, rheumatoid nodules, dry eyes and mouth leading to Sjogren’s syndrome, abnormal body composition, carpal tunnel syndrome, heart problemsn and an increased risk of lymphoma. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage.