Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory condition in which your immune system unintentionally attacks healthy cells in your body, leading to inflammation (painful swelling) in the areas of your body affected.
The main area of focus for RA is the joints, frequently several joints at once. Joints of the hand, wrist, and knee are frequently affected by RA.
Inflammation of the joint lining results in damage to joint tissue in RA-affected joints. Long-lasting or persistent pain, unsteadiness (lack of balance), and deformity can all result from this tissue damage (misshapenness).
Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, resulting in a painful swelling that may eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity, unlike osteoarthritis, which causes damage from wear and tear.
Rheumatoid arthritis-related inflammation is what causes damage to other body parts as well. Even with the dramatic improvements in rheumatoid arthritis treatment options brought about by new drug classes, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still result in physical impairments.
The major signs of rheumatoid arthritis:
There are periods when RA symptoms worsen, known as flares, and periods when they improve, known as remissions.
RA symptoms and signs include:
- More than one joint hurting or aching
- Stiffness in more than one joint
- multiple joints feeling achy and swollen
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Weakness
Here are the major risk factors that can increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis:
Numerous genetic and environmental factors have been examined by researchers to see if they affect a person’s risk of developing RA.
Risk-raising characteristics
Age:
Although RA can start at any age, the likelihood rises with advancing years. Adults in their sixties have the highest incidence of RA onset.
Genetics/inherited traits:
RA is more likely to occur in people who were born with particular genes. These HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class II genotypes are known to exacerbate arthritis. When people with these genes are exposed to environmental factors like smoking or being obese, their risk of developing RA may be at its highest.
Smoking:
Smoking increases a person’s risk of getting RA and can make the condition worse, according to numerous studies.
Early life exposures:
Some early life experiences may make it more likely that an adult will develop RA. For instance, one study discovered that children whose mothers smoked had a doubled risk of adult RA. Adult RA development is more likely to occur in children of lower-income parents.
Obesity:
Obesity can raise one’s risk of developing RA. Studies examining the impact of obesity discovered that a person’s risk of developing RA increased with increasing weight. Consult the Best Rheumatologist In Coimbatore to understand the various methods to manage the signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
How rheumatoid arthritis affects daily life?
Effects of RA on eyes:
Rheumatoid nodules, which are tissue lumps, could develop in you. In most cases, they show up on your skin, particularly on your elbows, forearms, heels, or fingers. They may appear suddenly or develop gradually. The nodules might indicate that the severity of your rheumatoid arthritis is worsening.
Complications of the eyes:
Your eyes can be impacted by rheumatoid arthritis in a number of ways. The episclera, a delicate membrane that covers the white of your eye, frequently becomes inflamed. Although it’s typically not severe, your eye may be painful and red. A more serious condition that can cause vision loss is scleritis, an inflammation of the white of the eye. Reach out to the best hospital for leg pain in coimbatore to undergo rheumatoid treatment.
Pain in the neck:
Joint pain in the fingers and wrists is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. However, other areas of your body, such as your neck, may also be impacted. Your RA may be to blame if your neck feels stiff and you experience pain when you turn your head.
Simple exercises could be beneficial. Consult your rheumatoid arthritis specialist for advice on the best ways to relieve neck pain.
Lung concerns:
Pleuritis (also known as pleurisy), a condition that makes breathing difficult, can develop as a result of lung inflammation brought on by rheumatoid arthritis.
You can develop rheumatoid nodules in your lungs as well. Although they are typically unproblematic, they can cause pleural effusion, which is a fluid buildup between the lining of your lung and your chest cavity, a collapsed lung, bloody coughing, infection, or other issues.
Useful: Everything you need to Know about Cataract
Emotional toll:
Living with chronic pain on a daily basis can be exhausting. According to one study, depression symptoms were present in almost 11% of rheumatoid arthritis patients. The participants’ feelings of depression increased with the severity of their RA. These signs include:
- Deeply felt sadness, anxiety, emptiness, hopelessness, guilt, or feelings of worthlessness
- Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities
- Insomnia
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
Consult your doctor if you have rheumatoid arthritis and experience anxiety or depression. They can provide you with a variety of services to make you feel better.
Major treatment options to manage rheumatoid arthritis:
Therapy:
Your doctor for joint pain might suggest that you seek the help of a physical or occupational therapist who can give you instruction in stretches that will keep your joints flexible. A new, less taxing way to complete daily tasks may be suggested by the therapist. You might want to pick up something with your forearms, for instance.
It may be simpler to avoid straining your painful joints with the aid of assistive technology.
Surgical options:
You and your doctor may discuss having surgery to repair damaged joints if medications are unable to stop or slow joint damage. With surgery, you might be able to move your joint again. It can also help people do better and feel less pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain and disability, which can interfere with a person’s ability to work and maintain a family. Feelings of hopelessness and low self-esteem are also frequent, as are depression and anxiety.
How well you manage your rheumatoid arthritis will determine how much it interferes with your daily activities. Ask your doctor or the nurse for advice on coping mechanisms.
