- Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which chemical substances are produced by the body that attack a joint,destroying the joint surface. It can affect any joint including hand, feet, hip and elbows. The joints are affected bilaterally
- Commonly begins in middle age though people of all ages may be affected. This can become a chronic disabling condition if no treatment is taken.
Cause
Seen in genetically susceptible individuals .certain people have genes that make them more prone to the disease. These genes get activated only if there is a ‘trigger’ such as an infection or an environmental factor. Once the body is exposed to these triggers the genes get activated and the immune system responds inappropriately destroying the joint surface instead of protecting it. This leads to joint swelling and pain.
SYMPTOMS
- Multiple joints can get affected
- Swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joint,
- A feeling of warmth around the joint
- Deformities and contractures of the joint
- Fever, loss of appetite
- Weakness due to a low red blood cell count (anemia)
- Nodules, or lumps, particularly around the elbow
- Foot pain, bunions, and hammer toes with long-standing disease
DIAGNOSIS
- Is always by clinical examination, blood test may reveal an antibody called rheumatoid factor and by XRAYS.
- The American College of Rheumatology requires at least four of the following seven criteria to confirm the diagnosis:
- Morning stiffness around the joint that lasts at least 1 hour
- Arthritis of three or more joints for at least 6 weeks
- Arthritis of hand joints for at least 6 weeks
- Arthritis on both sides of the body for at least 6 weeks
- Rheumatoid nodules under the skin
- Rheumatoid factor present in blood testing
- Evidence of rheumatoid arthritis on X-rays
TREATMENT
1. Exercises
Exercises can help strengthen the joints without putting stress on the joints.
Splints or corrective footwear may be required
2. Medication
There are two kinds of drugs that are used in treatment. Those that relieve symptoms and those that modify the course of the disease.
Aspirin and ibuprofen reduce pain and inflammation.
Methotrexate, sulfasalazine are disease modifying drugs
A newer class of biological agents that target the chemical substances that attack joints is also under research
3.surgery
Joint replacement surgery is an option
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