Rheumatoid Arthritis

Overview

Arthritis is a condition that causes the joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and cartilage to become inflamed. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of over 100 conditions related to arthritis. It is an autoimmune condition that occurs when the body attacks in own joints. While most types of arthritis affect older adults, rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages, including teenagers and children. In addition to joint pain, additional consequences include heart, lung, or eye damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects women more commonly than men. Initial symptoms appear more frequently when a person reaches his or her 40s or 50s. The condition develops gradually, and symptoms worsen over time. Over time, the condition can leave the patient disabled. A variety of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis are available in the form of medication, physical therapy, surgery, and exercise, but there is no cure.

Symptoms

Early symptoms include exhaustion, appetite loss, weight loss, muscle aches, weakness, and stiffness in the morning. These symptoms might occur within one or multiple parts of the body. Swollen glands and weight loss are also common symptoms.

Over time, patients will develop pain and swelling in the joints. This pain might restrict movement and cause persistent stiffness. Commonly affected areas include the fingers, elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees, neck, and toes. Pain might develop at different rates in different areas and could be limited to one or many areas.

Patients might start to develop additional symptoms like anemia, vision problems, fevers, lung disorders, numbness, swelling, or swollen glands.

Over time, the joints, tendons, and muscles will sustain long-term damage. In severe cases, organ failure will occur. It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis can shorten a patient's lifespan by almost ten years.

Types

Rheumatoid arthritis is classified into two types called rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis results from an autoimmune condition where the immune system responds abnormally and attacks the joints, blood vessels, and organs. With osteoarthritis, pain and joint swelling are the result of an injury. Osteoarthritis is not known to damage organs. In some situations, rheumatoid arthritis can occur as part of another condition. For example, Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition that occurs in conjunction with or after the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Tests/Diagnosis

A combination of tests can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. X-rays can help diagnose advanced stages of arthritis by revealing swelling and abnormalities in joints. The bone might also degenerate. Blood tests measure an antibody called rheumatoid factor (RF). The test is very general, as it can indicate the presence of other conditions where RF is present. More specific tests will measure levels of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies. Other tests may be used to test specifically for rheumatoid arthritis. A blood count or fluid analysis might also be required in addition to an MRI or joint ultrasound.

Causes/Risk Factors

There is no known cause for rheumatoid arthritis. The disease is more common among women than men, and people of any age are susceptible. The disease is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body attacks itself. Other illness, genetic factors, or hormone changes may trigger or complicate rheumatoid arthritis in any part of the body.

Treatment

RA requires consistent medical care. If left untreated or unmonitored, the disease can cause the joints to degenerate. As a result, a person might suffer from a permanent disability. Anti-inflammatory drugs can help control symptoms, although they can cause additional problems like stomach ulcers and heart conditions. Anti-malaria drugs have also been used as treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids help alleviate joint pain and swelling. Cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors will block COX-2, which is an enzyme that causes swelling. White blood cell modulators and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors can also help with symptoms. A patient might also require physical therapy, exercise, or surgery. Without treatment, long term damage, disability, organ failure, or death may occur.