Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Management Options
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation and deformity. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. Management includes medications like NSAIDs, DMARDs, steroids, and biologics. Physical therapy and surgery are options if medications are insufficient. Understanding symptoms helps in timely intervention to prevent joint damage and improve quality of life.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Management Options
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune condition that develops gradually and often presents subtle signs initially. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation primarily in joints but also affecting other organs. Symptoms vary among individuals and can fluctuate daily; common indicators include:
- Gait difficulties
- Extreme tiredness
- Swelling and redness in joints
- Fever and chills
- Joint stiffness
- Decreased joint mobility
- Anemia
- Joint tenderness
- Potential deformities
- Feelings of warmth around joints
- Multiple joint involvement
Treatment Approaches
The specific medications prescribed depend on symptom severity and disease progression.
- NSAIDs: Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen help reduce pain and swelling. Proper dosage is essential to avoid side effects such as heart issues or stomach discomfort.
- DMARDs: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine slow disease progression, preventing joint damage. They may cause side effects like bone marrow suppression or liver issues.
- Steroids: Corticosteroids such as prednisone diminish inflammation and pain but can lead to weight gain, osteoporosis, or blood sugar rise.
- Biologic agents: Targeted therapies like adalimumab, infliximab, and rituximab modulate immune response to reduce tissue damage and inflammation.
Consulting physical or occupational therapists can help maintain joint flexibility through specific exercises and suggest tools to ease daily activities, like ergonomic kitchen utensils or supportive devices.
If medications do not alleviate symptoms, procedures such as joint repair, tendon correction, fusion, or replacement may be considered. These surgeries can improve function and reduce pain but involve risks like infection and bleeding. Discuss all options with your healthcare provider beforehand.
