What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) And Why Does It Hurt?

Common Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Recognizing the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment. Key signs include:

• Joint Pain and Stiffness: Often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) pain is commonly felt in joints like the hands, wrists, knees, ankles, and feet. Stiffness can last for hours, unlike other types of arthritis.

• Swelling and Redness: Affected joints can become swollen, warm to the touch, and tender, indicating active inflammation. This is a hallmark of RA.

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired, even after a full night's sleep, is a common symptom of RA. This fatigue can affect overall energy levels and quality of life.

• Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can also be a sign of RA, as chronic inflammation can affect appetite and metabolism.

• Trouble Moving: As the disease progresses, joint damage can cause stiffness and difficulty moving the joints, limiting the range of motion and making daily tasks harder

How Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Works in the Body

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) causes your immune system to attack your joints by mistake. This leads to:

• Inflammation: the swelling in your joints that causes pain.

• Cartilage Damage: Over time, the inflammation can wear down the cartilage that cushions your joints.

• Joint Deformity: As the cartilage wears down, the bones can rub against each other, leading to joint damage and deformity.

• Newer Injectable: If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can progressively damage the joints, leading to joint deformity.

Consult our rheumatologist in Baner Pune if you are experiencing the above signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Here are a few rheumatoid arthritis causes to watch out for:

1. Genetics: Certain genes, like HLA-DRB1, increase susceptibility to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), especially if there's a family history of the disease.

2. Immune System Dysfunction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, leading to inflammation and damage.

3. Environmental Triggers: Factors like smoking, infections, and exposure to pollutants can trigger Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), especially in genetically predisposed individuals.

4. Hormonal Factors: Women are more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), possibly due to hormonal changes like those during pregnancy or menopause.

5. Obesity: Excess weight increases stress on joints, worsening inflammation and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) symptoms.

6. Gut Microbiome: Imbalances in gut bacteria may contribute to immune system dysfunction, potentially triggering Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Beyond the Joints

While Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) primarily targets the joints, it can also cause complications in various other organs and systems. Here’s how RA affects different areas beyond the joints:

1. Skin:  People with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) may develop rashes, nodules, or sores on the skin, especially over areas like the elbows and fingers. These nodules are firm lumps that form under the skin due to inflammation. In some cases, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) medications can also lead to skin reactions.

2. Eyes: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can cause dry eyes (a condition known as Sjögren’s syndrome), inflammation (like scleritis or uveitis), and even vision problems if untreated. Symptoms may include redness, pain, or a gritty sensation in the eyes.

3. Mouth: People with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) may experience dry mouth and sores or ulcers inside the mouth. This occurs because RA can lead to reduced saliva production, making it harder to keep the mouth moist and fight off bacteria.

4. Lungs: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can cause lung inflammation (pleuritis) or scarring (pulmonary fibrosis), leading to shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing. People with RA are at a higher risk for lung infections or conditions like interstitial lung disease.

5. Heart: Inflammation from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can also affect the heart and blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can lead to inflammation of the heart's lining (pericarditis) or an increased chance of developing atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

How to Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Pain

1. Medications

• NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs): Medicines like ibuprofen or naproxen can help with pain and swelling. They’re easy to get, but long-term use can cause stomach issues.

• Corticosteroids: These are strong anti-inflammatory drugs that work fast but can have side effects like weight gain or bone problems, so they’re usually used for short periods.

• DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs): These meds, like methotrexate, slow down how fast RA progresses and help with pain. They take a while to work but can make a big difference over time.

• Biologics: These are newer drugs that target specific parts of the immune system. They’re great for more severe cases, but they need close monitoring since they can increase the risk of infections.

2. Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise: Gentle, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can keep your joints flexible and reduce stiffness. It’s important to keep moving, even if it feels hard at first.

• Watch Your Weight: Keeping a healthy weight can take a lot of pressure off your joints, especially your knees and hips.

• Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat to stiff joints can help them loosen up, while cold packs can numb painful, swollen areas.

• Manage Stress: Stress can make RA symptoms worse, so techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help you relax and reduce pain.

3. Therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen your joints without making the pain worse.

• Occupational Therapy: This therapy helps you adapt your daily tasks so they don’t strain your joints. You might also learn to use helpful tools that make things easier.

• Diet changes: While no specific diet will cure RA, some people find that eating anti-inflammatory foods like fish, nuts, and leafy greens helps. Avoiding processed foods and sugar can also make a difference.

• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like mindfulness meditation or deep breathing can help you cope with the stress and discomfort of living with RA.

Consult our rheumatology hospital in Baner Pune if you need rheumatoid arthritis treatment. 

Talk to a Doctor

Since everyone’s rheumatoid arthritis is different, it’s important to talk to a doctor to figure out what combination of treatments will work best for you. They can guide you through medication options, lifestyle changes, and other therapies to help you find relief. It may take some time to find what works, but there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, so be patient and explore what helps you the most.