You might have heard people in their mid thirties complaining about stiffness in joints & swelling along with pain.

These can be symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA.

Diagnosing RA can be tricky.

In this blog, Karetrip will help you find what RA looks like & how to differentiate them.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints — such as hands & feet.

It is an autoimmune disorder in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues.

It can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart & blood vessels.

Unlike other arthritis, it affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion & joint deformity.

Symptoms of RA

Signs & symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:

• Tender, warm, swollen joints
• Joint stiffness (especially in morning or period of inactivity)
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Characteristics of RA

Joint Symptoms:

• Swelling: Joints, particularly in the hands & feet, can appear swollen due to inflammation.

• Redness & Warmth: Red colorization & heat sensation are possible symptoms in affected joints.

• Deformities: Changes in shape or alignment of joints due to persistent inflammation, making them develop over time as deformed.

• Nodules: Rheumatoid nodules, which are firm lumps under the skin near affected joints, can develop.

• Symmetry: RA typically affects joints symmetrically.

• Stiffness: Joint stiffness is the primary characteristic of RA. It is especially common in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Health Effects

• Eyes:

1. Dryness,
2. pain,
3. inflammation,
4. redness,
5. sensitivity to light &
6. trouble seeing properly.

Mouth:

1. Dryness & gum inflammation,
2. irritation or infection.

Skin: Appearances of Rheumatoid nodules.

Lungs: Inflammation & scarring can lead to shortness of breath & lung disease.

Blood vessels: Inflammation of blood vessels that can lead to damage in the nerves, skin & other organs.

Blood:
A lower than normal number of red blood cells.

Heart: Inflammation can damage the heart muscle & the surrounding areas.

Diagnosis Criteria of RA

Diagnosing RA can be tricky. It can be due to sharing of similar symptoms with other arthritis & joint diseases. There are also no single or specific tests for the disease, hence doctors opt for several factors to rule out the cause. These include:

• Medical History : familial history of RA & work/ activity histories are considered.

• Physical Examination : This includes joint examination & looking for symptoms like rashes or nodules in skin.

• Laboratory Tests : Your doctors may suggest tests including Rheumatoid factors (RF), Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), Complete blood count, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (often called the sed rate).C-reactive protein etc.

• Imaging Studies: X-Rays, MRI & other imagining test help look for any damages in tissue.

Treatments of RA

The treatment of RA primarily involves providing a better life quality. The goals of RA treatment includes

• Pain relief
• Decrease inflammation
• Prevent or stop organ damage
• Improve quality of life

Treatment Options include;

• Medications.
• Physical therapy & occupational therapy.
• Surgery
• Routine monitoring & ongoing care.
• Complementary therapies

Doctors may suggest a combination of treatments which may vary over time.

Risk Factors of RA

• Gender: Women are more likely to develop RA than men.

• Age: It can happen at any age. But it is most common begin in middle age

• Family History: If your family has RA history, just expect to get Rheumatoid Arthritis at any age

• Smoking: Smoking also increases the chance of developing RA & the severity of the disease.

• Excess Weights: Overweight appear to be at higher risk of RA.

Genetic factors, hormones, menopause, stress, previous history of infections can all contribute to the development of the disease.

RA in Specific Body Parts

Hands:

• Symptoms: swelling, excessive pain, rigidity, malformation.
• Treatments: medications, splinting & steroid injections if necessary.

Feet:

• Symptoms: pain, difficulty in movement or mobility deformation around ankles, heels, toes.
• Treatments: orthotics; surgery/braces .

Knees:

• Symptoms : swelling ,pain ,inability to move & a decrease in joint space .
• Treatments: drugs/ physiotherapy / walking aids /surgery.

Other Joints:

• Affected Areas : sternum ,cervical spine ,shoulders ,elbows ,hips.
• Similar to other joints with drugs, physiotherapy & sometimes surgery as well.

Rheumatoid Nodules

• Description: Small, firm lumps under the skin, usually near inflamed joints.

• Treatment: Often not required, but medications can reduce size; surgical removal if necessary.

Beyond the Joints

RA can cause inflammation in other parts of the body, such as:

• Eyes: Conditions like scleritis & uveitis.

• Teeth: Dry mouth leading to gum disease & tooth decay.

• Blood Vessels: Rare complications like rheumatoid vasculitis.

Understanding the symptoms and characteristics of RA can help you with early diagnosis and prevention possibilities.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms seek immediate medical care.

The information provided represents the views and opinions of Karetrip. It is crucial to conduct your own independent research before making any decisions regarding your healthcare journey. - Disclaimer