Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks the joints producing an inflammatory synovitis that often progresses to destruction of the articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. |
The name is based on the term "rheumatic fever", an illness which includes joint pain and is derived from the Greek word rheumatos. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, pericardium, pleura, and sclera, and also nodular lesions, most common in subcutaneous tissue under the skin. Although the cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, autoimmunity plays a pivotal role in its chronicity and progression.
Various treatments are available. Non-pharmacological treatment includes physical therapy,orthoses and occupational therapy. Analgesia (painkillers) and anti-inflammatory drugs, including steroids, are used to suppress the symptoms, while disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often required to inhibit or halt the underlying immune process and prevent long-term damage. In recent times, the newer group of biologics has increased treatment options.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
The usual joint symptoms include the following:
Stiffness:
The joint does not move as well as it once did. Its range of motion (the extent to which the appendage of the joint, such as the arm, leg, or finger, can move in different directions) may be reduced.
Inflammation:
Redness, tenderness, and warmth are the hallmarks of inflammation.
Swelling:
The area around the affected joint is swollen and puffy.
Nodules:
These are hard bumps that appear on or near the joint. They often are found near the elbows.
Pain: Pain in rheumatoid arthritis has several sources.
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 Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Despite significant advances in treatment over the past decades, rheumatoid arthritis continues to be an incurable disease. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has two components:
(1) reducing inflammation and preventing joint damage and disability and
(2) relieving symptoms, especially pain.
Medical Treatment
Starting treatment soon after diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is strongly recommended. The best medical care combines medication and nondrug approaches.
Nondrug approaches include the following:
* Physical therapy helps preserve and improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, and reduce pain.
* Hydrotherapy involves exercising or relaxing in warm water. Being in water reduces the weight on your joints. The warmth relaxes your muscles and helps relieve pain.
* Relaxation therapy teaches techniques for releasing muscle tension, which helps relieve pain.
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