Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects various body parts, especially joints. In some patients, the sickness can affect various physiological systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system targets your own body's tissues.
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis targets the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can lead to bone loss and joint deformity.
Everyone's experience with rheumatoid arthritis is unique. Joint problems can take years to develop in some persons. Symptoms of acute rheumatoid arthritis progress quickly in some persons. Many persons experience periods of symptom flare-ups followed by periods of no symptom flare-ups (remission).
Early rheumatoid arthritis frequently affects smaller joints first, such as the joints that link your fingers to your hands and your toes to your feet.
Because the early signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to those of many other diseases, it can be challenging to diagnose in its early stages. A single blood test or physical finding cannot confirm the diagnosis. Here are a few tests that a rheumatoid arthritis doctor recommends,
In persons with rheumatoid arthritis, a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) level may suggest the presence of an active inflammatory process in the body. Rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are two other popular blood tests. However it is important to note that they are fail proof tests and there are lot of false positives and false negatives.
The ends of the bones within a joint can wear down due to RA (erosions). Erosion of the joint is detected with an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) examination. However, if they don't show up on the first tests, it could indicate that RA is still in its early stages and hasn't yet harmed bone. The findings of imaging tests can also reveal how effectively a rheumatoid arthritis treatment is functioning.
Active inflammation of the joint lining called synovitis. In early or mild rheumatoid arthritis, synovitis may not be obvious on a clinical examination , but it can be visible on an ultrasound or MRI scan.
As the joint damage usually starts within the first two years of diagnosis, it's critical to consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated within this "window of opportunity" to help avoid long-term damage.
Early treatment with certain medications can help you achieve a better long-term result. Drug combinations may be more successful than single-drug therapy and appear just as safe. Reach out to a rheumatoid arthritis specialist in Coimbatore, and get relief from pain.
There are numerous drugs available to reduce joint pain, swelling, and inflammation and prevent or halt the progression of the condition.
Your doctor may recommend you to a physical or occupational therapist who may teach you exercises to maintain joint flexibility. The therapist may also recommend new ways to complete everyday duties that are less taxing on your joints.
Assistive devices may be recommended to relieve the pain caused by the movement of joints.
What are the first signs of rheumatoid arthritis?
Tender, heated, swollen joints are some of the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Joint stiffness that worsens in the mornings and after periods of inactivity. Fatigue, fever, and a loss of appetite are all symptoms of the flu.
What is the main cause of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease when the immune system attacks healthy body tissue. However, it is unknown what causes this. Your immune system produces antibodies to help fight illness by attacking bacteria and viruses.
Is rheumatoid arthritis serious?
RA is a dangerous autoimmune illness in which your immune system assaults your own body's tissues, causing severe joint pain, stiffness, severe fatigue, and occasionally deformity, most commonly in the hands, shoulders, knees, and feet. Irrespective of age men, women, and children are affected.
At what age does rheumatoid arthritis begin?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can strike at any age, but it is most common between the ages of 30 and 50. It's known as elderly-onset RA or late-onset RA when it begins between the ages of 60 and 65.
What are the stages of rheumatoid arthritis?
There are various stages of rheumatoid arthritis: early RA, antibodies develop swelling, worsen visible symptoms, and fused joints.
My mother suffered from Rheumatoid arthritis for a very long time, and her condition worsened, and she could not walk or stand even for five minutes. After trying a couple of treatments and visiting a few hospitals, nothing positively affected her. We decided we would consult even Sri Ramakrishna once the doctors examined her condition and informed her that it is better to undergo therapy. The doctor explained how it works. She is undergoing therapy and we can see a drastic change in her and she is able to move around without pain. Thank you, Sri Ramakrishna hospital, for your immediate response and treatment.
My father-in-law suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for a long time, and his condition worsened. Even after trying a couple of treatments and visiting a few hospitals, nothing positively affected him. We consulted Sri Ramakrishna upon a friend's reference; the doctors informed us that it is better to take medications along with medications. The treatment started in no time. Thank you, Sri Ramakrishna hospital, for your immediate response and treatment.
Our Department of Rheumatology has treated over thousands of patients with arthritis treatment over the last 7 years. Our highly experienced rheumatoid arthritis specialist will ensure you receive the best arthritis treatment in Coimbatore.
Our highly experienced rheumatoid arthritis specialist have immense experience in providing the best arthritis treatment in Coimbatore.
Dr. K. S. Jayakumar is a Consultant in Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology of the Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital. He has over 26 years of experience and is a specialist in treating Ankylosing spondylitis.
