Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. This disease creates an atmosphere where your body attacks itself, leading to severe pain and mobility issues and in extreme cases, bone erosion and joint deformity.
The Basics of Rheumatoid Arthritis
RA tricks your body into thinking that the connective tissue of the synovial joints is a foreign intruder meant to cause harm. Your body reacts by attacking the linings of the joints, breaking them down, causing inflammation and pain.
Typically the disease reveals itself in high use areas of the body such as the hands, wrists, and knees. Early on, you may experience symptoms in your smaller joints, including fingers and toes.
There are three types of RA:
- Seropositive RA – When a patient tests positive for the antibodies that activate your immune system into fight mode.
- Seronegative RA – When a patient’s body has not created the antibodies yet, but they have symptoms.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – The name of RA in children under 17.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms and severity vary from person to person, but generally include:
- Joint pain, tenderness, or warmth
- Stiffness of the joints
- Unexplained mobility issues
Risk Factors
Doctors don’t know exactly what starts the onset of RA. However, there are a few factors that may contribute:
- Genetics – Genetics play a significant part in determining a person’s predisposition to disease, including RA. Simply put, if someone in your family has had this disease, you are at a higher risk.
- Obesity – People (especially women) who are obese may be at a somewhat higher risk of RA.
- Environment – Exposure to some substances and fibers, such as asbestos or silica, may elevate the risk of RA, though this is poorly understood.
- Smoking – If you are already predisposed to RA, smoking increases your chances of RA and symptoms being more severe.
Treatment
RA treatments have to do with managing the inflammation and pain as there is currently no cure for this disease. However, some of the most common treatments are:
- Medication – Doctors may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), steroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), or biologic agents to help treat the disease.
- RA tailored exercise – Occupational therapy is commonly recommended by physicians.
- Holistic remedies – Lifestyle changes such as a change in diet and regular exercise (Tai Chi has proven effective) may reduce symptoms. Additionally, alternative medicines including fish oil and evening primrose, borage and black currant oils have shown promise in easing pain.
- Surgery – In extreme cases, a doctor may suggest surgery to repair damaged joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease, and while there is no cure, research is ongoing. Most people don’t have consistent symptoms, and the severity will differ from person to person, however it can be debilitating and painful. If you experience any of the symptoms above, or have a family history, please consult your physician for professional care and medical advice.