When you think of rheumatoid arthritis, you typically think of joint pains, brought on by your advancing age. While older age may have something to do with it, the disease is more complex than that. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) falls into the category of autoimmune disease, which arises because the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue cells, mistaking them for foreign substances, thereby causing inflammation.
What are the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
While the symptoms of RA are varied, they are almost always associated with inflammation and pain, which may extend beyond the affected joints. Though it is commonly associated with older age, RA can strike at any time, marked by the following symptoms:
- Pain in joints, typically beginning in the smaller joints such as hands and feet
- Stiffness of joints, especially after periods of immobility, such as upon waking up
- Inflammation and tenderness in joints
- Carpal tunnel issues also arise, including pain in wrist area and tingling or numbness of fingers
- Symptoms are commonly symmetrical (occurring in the affected areas of both sides of the body)
- Fatigue or chronic tiredness
- Feelings of overall weakness
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Delayed healing time of infections and other ailments
- In some RA sufferers, inflammation may extend to other organs, such as the eyes, lungs, kidneys, and heart
- Untreated, RA can lead to disability in the affected areas
What are the usual causes of rheumatoid arthritis?
As with most other autoimmune conditions, it is difficult to determine the exact trigger of RA. However, these are some common causes and risk factors:
- Women are more likely to get it than men
- When men get it, though, the prognosis is often worse
- Most often, RA sets in from the ages of 40—60 years old, although it can occur at any age
- Genetics plays a part in the onset of RA, and is likely passed down the generations
- Smoking increases your chances of developing RA, and worsens the condition when you do have it. Other risk factors include obesity and exposure to asbestos or silica.
What are the stages of rheumatoid arthritis?
There are four stages, when it comes to the progression of RA. Tests to diagnose the condition include ultrasound, x-ray, and other imaging tools, as well as blood work to detect the presence of antibodies, depending on the stage of the disease:
- Stage 1: Early Stage RA—this is when the body begins to attack its own joint tissues. At this stage, it can be difficult to make an accurate diagnosis, as symptoms might be vague and difficult to pinpoint, often limited to early morning joint stiffness and swelling.
- Stage 2: Development of Antibodies—as the immune system attacks the joint tissues, antibodies are formed, which aggravate the inflammation. Symptoms become more visible, enabling more accurate diagnosis.
- Stage 3: Visible Symptoms—the effects of the disease are much more pronounced, often resulting in joint deformities and abnormalities. These malformations, however, are now often preventable with medication.
- Stage 4: Joint Fusion—left untreated, joints fuse together due to loss of and damage to cartilage. With the right medication and treatment, however, most RA sufferers no longer reach this stage, nowadays.
How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA. But, with the development and advancement of certain medication, it is now possible to treat the condition so as to slow or even to stop its progress. This is why it is vital to consult with a rheumatologist and receive a proper diagnosis, so that an effective treatment course can be mapped out. RA is treated using the following options:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to safeguard the joints and help slow or halt the progression of RA
- Steroids to deal with inflammation
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to combat pain and inflammation
- Surgical options such as synovectomy (to deal with a swollen synovium), and tendon repair surgery (to strengthen weakened tendons) are also available as a course of action
More holistic approaches to the management of RA include:
- Dietary changes. Reduce sodium intake and the consumption of foods that are high in inflammation-causing glytotoxins. Prioritize steamed or braised dishes over those cooked at higher temperatures, which could release glytotoxins into food. Avoid processed foods. Eat and drink anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric, fatty fish, green leafy vegetables, berries, ginger, green tea, and olive oil, among others
- Supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids, curcumin, zinc, spirulina, boswellia, and other inflammation-fighting vitamins and minerals
- Low-impact to moderate exercise, like restorative or light yoga, water exercises, activities that promote flowing movements like tai chi, walking, light strength training, and the like
- Stress reduction techniques, such as yoga breathing and meditation. The mechanisms of autoimmune disorders have been linked to spikes in stress; lowering stress levels proves beneficial for a variety of reasons
- Massage with pain-reducing, anti-inflammatory essential oils like lavender and frankincense
No one wants to receive a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis; left untreated, it can lead to varying degrees of disability and complications. The good news is, though, that with the right treatment and compliance to doctor’s orders, RA sufferers can overcome the effects of the condition and can lead a normal life.
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