Rheumatoid (RA) is one of the most common forms of arthritis that affects people. According to Rheumatoiarthritis.org statistics, 1% of the global population has rheumatoid arthritis. While this includes both men, women, and children, the most susceptible group is women. Females are three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis compared to males. Why that is so?
In ongoing research to establish if there is any relationship between RA and both the X and the Y chromosomes, scientists made a groundbreaking discovery recently. Just as they had predicted, they identified the X chromosome genes to be linked to the disease. The fact that females are solely made out of this chromosome explains why they are more likely to develop the disease compared to males. After all, males have both X and Y chromosomes.
RA develops when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, including joint tissues. In severe cases, the body may even ambush internal organs, leading to much bigger problems.
Early Sign and Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis affects various joint linings in the body with chronic inflammation. Aside from the joints, the disorder can also damage a wide variety of systems and organs in the body, including the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
In severe cases, the swelling can be so painful that the person affected may want to writhe in agony. People who are suffering from RA should seek help as early as possible. If ignored, this condition could cause bone erosion, as well as joint deformity. Ultimately the symptoms can lead to disability.
As you can see, it is important to seek assistance early to avoid potential disabilities and bigger problems if you have RA. If you are not sure about your condition, look out for these early signs and symptoms:
• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Joint tenderness
• Joint swelling
• Joint redness
• Loss of joint range of motion
• Joint warmth
• Many joints affected (polyarthritis)
• Joint deformity
• Both sides of the body affected (symmetric)
Having problems such as pain, stiffness, swelling, deformity, and loss of function with your joints is the number one sign or symptom of potential rheumatoid arthritis. As the antibodies begin to attack the linings of your joints, you will definitely experience these symptoms. When you do, do not just buy a joint soother and apply it over your joints, thinking that it’s just a minor issue. Go for physical examination, so that you can get a timely treatment if it turns out to be RA.
Of course, it’s normal to experience joint problems sometimes, especially after doing an intense physical activity that stresses your joints. A few joints in your body may hurt a little for a couple of days before getting back to normal; this can be caused by other factors. But when nearly all the joints in your body continuously do not feel right, then that’s not normal. It is a sign of an underlying condition, probably Rheumatoid. You should never wait until the condition has progressed to uncontrollable levels. Go for a medical checkup immediately so that you can get help before it is too late.
What really causes rheumatoid arthritis?
Now you know what the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are, but what causes the development of this type of arthritis? In other words, what drives the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues and organs? The reality is that the real triggers of autoimmune response (the process whereby the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues and organs) are not yet known.
However, some drugs, toxins, bacteria, as well as viruses may provoke an autoimmune reaction in the body, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to such a reaction. Though scientists have never been able to prove it, they believe that the activity of these agents somehow triggers the immune system to react. It is this reaction that can escalate to rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disorder.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment
RA is currently incurable, but there are several ways to manage it and slow the progression.
1. Medication
There is a class of medication which can be used in the management of RA. Anti-rheumatic drugs work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators and suppressing STAT1 dependent genes in joint tissues. Tofacitinib is one such drug, which can slow the progression of the disease quite effectively. This drug consists of the following ingredients;
• Croscarmellose Sodium
• HPMC Hypromellose
• Lactose Monohydrate
• Macrogol
• Magnesium Stearate
• Microcrystalline Cellulose
• Titanium Dioxide
• Triacetin
2. Physiotherapy
Applying various physical methods like exercise and massage can help with rheumatoid arthritis. Doing exercises like stretching, flowing movements, strength training, and cycling can help with joint health. Specific massages, especially those that relieve pressure and pain in muscles and joints, can also be very helpful.
3. Surgery
There are also a number of surgical procedures that can be used to help people who are suffering from these autoimmune disorders. These include joint replacement, arthrodesis, and synovectomy.
The first surgery replaces large joints and smaller joints, which are damaged by RA. The second surgery removes the damaged joint and fuses together the neighboring bones to relieve intractable pain that drugs or other therapies can’t.
Last but not least is synovectomy. This is a type of surgery that removes inflamed synovial tissue, which is the source of much pain and limited mobility in rheumatism. It can be used for the treatment of early RA which exhibits no signs of improvement with medical therapy.
Final Thoughts
Now you know more about rheumatoid arthritis; you understand what it is, how it affects the body, and the symptoms to look out for. Finally, you know the various treatments that are available for this condition. If you have symptoms similar to these, it is time to go for a physical check-up.