Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness that causes pain and stiffness, and eventually destroys joints and can greatly limit mobility. Baby boomers and the elderly are more at risk from complications of rheumatoid arthritis simply because it’s a progressive disease. Those who have had it for a while are probably starting to experience some of the more severe symptoms of the disease by the time they reach retirement age. And those who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis after age 50 are likely to see the progression accelerated because of other health problems.

Rheumatoid arthritis, commonly referred to as RA, is an autoimmune disease, which means that a person’s own immune system is causing all the problems. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints and causes inflammation and pain. Though it is a chronic condition, a person can experience stretches of time without symptoms – even years.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are only present when the joints are actually inflamed and the disease is active. Since rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease and not a local one like osteoarthritis, symptoms are more general, like low-grade fever, aches and pains, general stiffness, loss of appetite and fatigue, in addition to the normal joint stiffness and pain. Often, the fingers and hands are deeply affected, making small tasks like opening jars or doors difficult. And unlike osteoarthritis, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually affect both sides of the body at once – both knees, hips, elbows are swollen – rather than just pain in the one joint that’s wearing out.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis can’t be cured, so rheumatoid arthritis treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms such as inflammation and pain. The earlier treatment begins, the better the result and the joints will stay flexible longer. The best treatment is usually a combination of medication, adequate sleep and rest, exercise and education. Many factors affect rheumatoid arthritis treatment, including age, health, severity of the disease and lifestyle and activities. Surgery is sometimes necessary when rheumatoid arthritis causes severe joint deformity.

The first treatment is with drugs, exercise and nutrition. The first-line drugs are things like aspirin and corticosteroids that are used to reduce swelling and pain. The other drugs used in rheumatoid arthritis treatment are called second-line drugs, because they’re slower acting. Methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine are used to fight the disease systemically and promote remission.