What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is also classified as an autoimmune disease (a disorder in which the body's immune system starts to attack healthy tissues).

Rheumatoid arthritis mostly damages the joint lining and cartilage which eventually results in erosion of two opposing bones. It often affects joints in the fingers, wrists, knees and elbows, is symmetrical (appears on both sides of the body), and can lead to severe deformity in a few years if not treated.
Although rheumatoid arthritis primarily affects the joints, they can also affect other systematic parts of the body.

Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

A report reveals that approximately 1.5 million people in the United States have rheumatoid arthritis and about 1-2 percent of the world population is affected by this same type of arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis.

It is found that women are more affected by the rheumatoid arthritis than men. A study shows that about 75 percent of rheumatoid arthritis patients are women. Rheumatoid arthritis does not only affect men and women, children can also develop rheumatoid arthritis. However, disease onset for rheumatoid arthritis is said to occur between 30 and 60 years old.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Researchers have worked for years to find the cause of the abnormal autoimmune that is associated with rheumatoid arthritis, but no single cause has been found. However, common theories point to a genetic predisposition and a triggering event.

Other causes might include:

• Injuries
• Infections

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Some of the primary symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Joint pain
• Swelling or effusion
• Stiffness of the joint
• Warmth near the joint
• Restricted range of motion

Morning stiffness involving the small bones of the hands and feet, extreme fatigue, rheumatoid nodules, and symmetrical joint involvement (e.g., both knees not one knee) are all characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis.

                                                   Joint affected by rheumatoid arthritis - source: epainassist.com

In children, the disorder can present with a skin rash, fever, pain, disability, and limitations in daily activities.

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

According to reports, there is no single laboratory test or x-ray that can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. A combination of test results, a physical examination, and patient medical history together can help determine a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Laboratory tests which are commonly ordered to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Rheumatoid factor
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• C-reactive protein
• Anti-CCP test

X-rays and MRIs are also ordered to help with the diagnostic process and throughout the course of the disease to monitor the effectiveness of treatment. The goal of early diagnosis and early treatment is to prevent permanent joint damage.

X-ray of rheumatoid arthritis - source: webmd

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

While there is no specific cure for arthritis, the effects of rheumatoid arthritis may be reduced with proper medication, along with some forms of complementary treatment or local care. Each individual patient is usually evaluated by their rheumatologist and a treatment plan is recommended.

Swimming is often a good form of exercise for people with RA because it doesn’t put pressure on your joints the way running and walking do. Staying active is important, but you should also be sure to rest when you need to and avoid overexerting yourself.

Medications used for rheumatoid arthritis may include:

• Biologics, such as Enbrel (etanercept), Remicade (infliximab), Humira (adalimumab), (Simponi (golimumab), Cimzia (certolizumab pegol), Rituxan (rituximab), Orencia (abatacept)
• DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), such as methotrexate, Plaquenil (hydroxychloroquine), Azulfidine (sulfasalazine)
• Corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Celebrex (celecoxib) and Naproxen (Naprosyn)
• Analgesics (painkillers)

Fast Facts about Rheumatoid Arthritis:

1. About 20 percent of people who have rheumatoid arthritis test negative for the rheumatoid factor.

2. Those patients are classified as "seronegative rheumatoid arthritis". It is generally thought the seronegative patients have a less severe case of rheumatoid arthritis and less disability, but that is not always the case.

3. Rheumatoid arthritis has been associated with a higher risk of mortality, higher risk of heart disease, and also a higher risk of lymphoma than the general population.

4. Finally, smoking has been identified as a risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Sources:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis. American College of Rheumatology. Updated August 2013.
  http://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Rheumatoid-Arthritis
• Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. Ninth edition. Elsevier. Chapter 69. Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• www.verywell.com - Rheumatoid Arthritis (Accessed: 10/12/2016)

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