Author: Dr. Sam Pegram
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is different from osteoarthritis, which is the result of mechanical wear and tear on the joints. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by infiltration of the joint capsule by inflammatory cells. The enzymes released by these cells reduce overall cartilage, primarily affecting smaller joints in the body, such as the wrists and hands.
Rheumatoid arthritis can spread to larger joints in the body, such as the elbows, ankles, and knees, but it usually does not attack the largest joints in the body, such as those in the back. This is one of the main ways to differentiate it from other forms of arthritis. Because osteoarthritis tends to appear in larger joints.
How do I know I have rheumatoid arthritis?
The main symptom of RA is morning sickness that lasts thirty minutes or more. Since it is an autoimmune disease, you may also experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, fatigue, and fever.
It is symmetrically destructive, meaning that what happens on one side of the body often affects the same joints on the other side. So if you have rheumatoid arthritis in your hands, toes, feet, etc., you may experience pain, swelling, and loss of motion in those exact same joints, affecting your overall movement or quality of life.
It is also systemic and may cause inflammatory changes in other parts of your body, such as your eyes, skin, bone marrow, kidneys, cardiovascular and respiratory organs.
It’s important to note that RA symptoms appear and progress differently in each person’s body. However, the progression of RA usually follows the same path, affecting smaller joints first and then spreading to larger joints.
Where did my RA come from?
Doctors don’t really understand why people get rheumatoid arthritis. There appears to be a genetic predisposition and you may have an abnormality in one of your chromosomes, which increases your developmental risk. However, it is not entirely certain that you will contract this chronic disease because of your family history.
Other factors may include your gender and age, as more women between the ages of 20 and 40 have this disease. This may have something to do with hormones; however, no studies have conclusively proven this theory. Additionally, being obese or overweight may increase the risk of this disease.
There is some thought that exposure to certain viruses or infections may make you more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis, but unfortunately, this theory is not conclusive either.
What is the cure/treatment for my RA?
There is no cure for RA, but treatment plans have improved exponentially over the past twenty-five years. Prior to this advancement, rheumatoid arthritis was associated with increased mortality. You can now live a normal, productive life with your disease in remission, free of pain, swelling, and full range of motion restored.
It is important to note that remission does not last long as this is a chronic disease. Since the turn of the 21st century, however, doctors have been using biologics made from proteins or blood products to reduce targeted inflammatory cells that invade joints. These are highly potent agents that are much safer than the chemical agents previously used and are still used today to supplement your RA treatment plan.
Doctors also use methotrexate, one of the most potent of all chemical agents. Although this drug is somewhat more toxic and has more side effects than biologics, it can still be used to destroy inflammatory cells in the joints. While taking methotrexate, you may experience some side effects, such as digestive problems, namely vomiting or diarrhea. You may also experience headaches, rashes, and even shortness of breath. You should discuss potential side effects with your doctor and tell them right away if you have a reaction while taking this medication.
Your doctor may also give you a cortisone steroid injection as an adjunctive treatment. They are fast-acting pain relievers that can help reduce pain but do not stop the progression of the disease.
For people who often work with their feet or hands, your doctor may recommend protecting your joints in these areas, especially while working. You may be advised to change your daily behavior, such as the way you work, sit for 15 minutes every hour to relieve pain, or even do light stretches. Or, create a workspace that supports you.
How can I support my RA at home?
Diet and weight loss are important to reduce pain and improve mobility in rheumatoid arthritis joints. If your lower limbs are severely affected, adding weight to these joints can have a negative impact on your pain management. Mild stretching is also an effective way to support your joints and their range of motion and help regulate your body weight.
No food can limit or prevent the progression of the disease. However, turmeric, dietary fish oil, and other anti-inflammatory foods, supplements, and herbs can reduce joint inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
You can also take some over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, which can also reduce inflammation. However, check with your doctor to find out which medications are considered safe to take and learn how they may interact with any medications you are prescribed.
Rheumatoid arthritis is chronic and debilitating and can affect your stress and mental health. Having a supportive community can greatly reduce stress and inflammation in your body, helping you manage your disease more easily. Simply seeking support from family, friends, loved ones, and doctors can also be an effective form of treatment. You can also seek support from third-party organizations that are conducting research and working to find treatment advances and potential cures. These organizations know what you are going through and you can find others who have this disease. Seeking support is key to long-term management of this disease.
