Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms And Treatment

The Rheumatoid Arthritis can be defined as a chronic inflammation of multiple joints, first affecting the membrane that covers them (called synovial) and, in later stages, cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments. We are facing a disease that can occur at any age, being the most vulnerable women to suffer, especially between 40-60 years.

By the symptoms that accompany arthritis is a disease that influences greatly in the quality of life of sufferers. Let’s see, more carefully, behind rheumatoid arthritis and what the most appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms is.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint Pain and Tenderness

One of the earliest and most characteristic signs of RA is persistent joint pain. The pain is often symmetrical, affecting the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both wrists, both knees, or both hands. Joints may feel tender to the touch, even with mild pressure.

Joint Swelling

Swelling in the joints is common and often accompanies joint pain. The swelling can cause joints to appear larger or puffy, leading to stiffness and limited range of motion.

Morning Stiffness

A hallmark symptom of RA is morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes to an hour. This stiffness can be severe enough to impact daily activities and typically improves with movement as the day progresses.

Fatigue

Persistent fatigue is a frequent and often early symptom of RA. It may precede joint symptoms and can be severe, impacting the quality of life and daily functioning.

Low-Grade Fever

Some individuals with RA may experience a low-grade fever during flare-ups. Unlike high fevers associated with infections, RA-related fevers are usually mild but are a sign of systemic inflammation.

Progressive Symptoms as Rheumatoid Arthritis Advances

Joint Deformities

As RA progresses, chronic inflammation can lead to joint erosion and deformities. Common deformities include:

• Swan-neck deformity: bending of the base of the finger, straightening of the middle joint, and bending of the outermost joint.
• Boutonnière deformity: bent middle joint of a finger, with the outermost joint bent back.
• Ulnar deviation: fingers angling away from the thumb.

Reduced Joint Function and Mobility

With time, joint damage leads to reduced flexibility, strength, and range of motion. Individuals may find it increasingly difficult to perform everyday tasks like opening jars, typing, or walking.

Nodules Under the Skin

Approximately 20-30% of people with RA develop rheumatoid nodules, which are firm lumps under the skin, commonly found on pressure points like the elbows, fingers, or heels.

Weight Loss

Unintentional weight loss can occur as a result of chronic inflammation, increased metabolic demands, and decreased appetite during active disease phases.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

Although the cause that provokes it remains an open question, theories point to the presence of some abnormal defenses that damage the body’s own tissues, triggering the joint swelling. Arthritis can be hereditary.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis Symptoms appear slowly evolving in other phases of exacerbation and improvement. The most common are malaise, loss of weight and stiffness, pain and swelling of several joints. Generally, rheumatoid arthritis affects the fingers and toes, elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees and spine.

The stiffness, very typical in the hands, usually appears in the morning when get up, for around half an hour, or the use of the joint itself. Some patients also have nodules under the skin, but also on the tendons. There may also be redness of the palms, dry mouth and eyes. Sometimes the walls of the small blood vessels become inflamed and bleeding around the nails and the fingertips are produced. As time passes, the joints lose mobility, can result in rupture of a tendon or deformities appear in fingers of hands or knees, for example.

Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Medications

The foundation of RA treatment involves disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, which slow disease progression.

Biologic agents like TNF inhibitors target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids are used to control pain and inflammation during flares.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps maintain joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility. Therapists also teach exercises that can be done at home to support joint health.

Lifestyle Changes

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation, is vital for managing RA symptoms and preventing complications.

Surgical Intervention

When joints are severely damaged, surgical options such as joint replacement, tendon repair, or joint fusion may be necessary to restore function and relieve pain.

Conclusion
Rheumatoid arthritis currently has no known cure, however a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Early and aggressive treatment offers the best chance for long-term success.