Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis woman

Last Updated December 20th, 2021

The most fundamental fact about rheumatoid arthritis is that it is an autoimmune condition, aka, it arises as a result of your body’s immune system attacking the healthy cells. Secondly, it is not a rare condition. RA affects more than 1.5 million people in the USA alone. Also, it has been observed that women develop RA more than men (3x times more!). This condition is not localized to a particular joint (unlike osteoarthritis), but is spread throughout the body.
Though RA doesn’t get passed on from parents to offspring everytime, having parent(s) with this autoimmune condition does increase the risk of developing the condition in the child. There are certain genes which influence the autoimmune processes within the body. These are - HLA, STAT4, PTPN22, etc.The presence of these can not only increase the risk of RA but also that of other autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Foods to eat in RA - Anti-inflammatory foods such as - fatty fish, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, olive oil. Foods to avoid in RA - Inflammatory foods such as - refined sugar, salt, processed junk, vegetable oil, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco etc.

Overview

Several diseases of the joints and bones occur at the onset of old age due to natural degeneration of the musculoskeletal system. Arthritis is a very common disorder after the age of 60 and affects men and women equally. According to statistics produced by the Arthritis Foundation, United States, nearly 350 million people suffer from arthritic conditions all over the world. A very common form of arthritis that affects mainly aged women is rheumatoid arthritis. The occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis is 1.06% in women and 0.6% in men. Recent research findings reveal that nearly 3,00,000 children have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis in the past year, and many rheumatoid arthritis cases were reported among them. Thus clearly, Rheumatoid Arthritis is becoming a major cause of productivity and performance loss.

 

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis xrayRheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease which symmetrically affects the small bones and joints of the hand and feet. It is basically an auto-immune disease and produces systemic, articular and extra-articular effects. The reason rheumatoid arthritis is called “systemic” is if one knee gets affected with the disease the other knee starts showing similar symptoms as well. Inflammation, swellin, and stiffness of multiple joints (mainly the synovial joints) result in this conditions. This disease is usually incurable and the symptoms worsen with age. Rheumatoid arthritis typically peaks between the age of 40-50 and is at present one of the leading causes of disability on a global scale.

 

Difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Very often people get confused between the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which may lead to misdiagnosis and improper treatment. The main difference is that osteoarthritis is the progressive erosion of the joints, while rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation of the lining of the joints.

 

Pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

The main pathological condition that leads to rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation and thickening of the synovial membrane, caused due to autoimmune conditions. The synovial membrane becomes infested with inflammatory cells which causes joint pain and swelling. The vascular tissue (pannus) present in the synovial lining expands over the cartilage. Subsequent erosion of the articular cartilage and underlying bone occurs due to the presence of macrophages and osteoclasts (causes bone degeneration or resorption). Local inflammation is caused by two main immunoglobulin components synthesized by plasma cells in the subsynovium. Rheumatoid nodules form in the advanced stages and are surrounded by macrophages, fibroblasts, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Granuloma formation may also occur on the surface of pleura, endocardial valves, and pericardium.

The primary causes of pain in rheumatoid arthritis are-

  • Irritation of nerve endings due to chemicals produced by inflammatory cells
  • Excessive stretching of the capsules due to joint swelling

 

Joints affected

The joints primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis are listed below-

  • Cervical spine: It can cause neck pain, stiffness, paraesthesiae or sensory changes.
  • Hands and wrists: Flexion contractures and ulnar deviation of fingers are observed.
  • Feet and ankles: Metatarso-phalangeal joints, talonavicular, subtalar and avicular joints are affected.
  • Shoulders: Inflammation of rotator cuffs occurs.
  • Elbows: Stiffness occurs.
  • Hips: Progressive loss of internal rotation occurs.
  • Knees
  • Temporomandibular joints: Pain, tenderness, and swelling occurs

 

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis womanRheumatoid arthritis occurs due to multiple etiological factors which are described below-

  • Autoimmune diseases which cause a destruction of the joints and bones
  • The release of harmful chemicals such as cytokines (due to inflammatory response or existing pathological conditions) which directly affects the linings joints
  • Natural degeneration and weakening of body muscles and joints with age
  • Obesity or overweight conditions causing increased load on the knee
  • Joint inflammation due to rigorous physical activities or mechanical injury
  • Cigarette smoking can increase risks of joint damage
  • Diet deficient in Vitamin D
  • Accidental bending and twisting causing injured joints
  • Existing joint diseases such as gout, osteoarthritis or septic arthritis
  • Lifting excessively heavy loads
  • Genetic disorders causing degeneration of synovial tissues (mediated by Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 22 gene)
  • Inflammation evoking food items such as artificial fats, processed meat, refined carbohydrates and alcohol
  • Toxicity due to chemicals present in the environment can affect the joints
  • Incorrect body postures

 

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is manifested through the following symptoms-

  • Morning stiffness and joint pain lasting for more than 1 hour
  • Swelling of soft tissues of multiple joints
  • Symmetric joint swelling
  • Extreme tenderness and touch sensitivity of joints
  • Redness around the joint area
  • Erosion and decalcification (loss of calcium content) of joints in advanced stages
  • Formation of nodules in elbows and knees (rheumatoid nodules)
  • Fever and nausea
  • Extreme fatigue
  • General body weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Profuse sweating and few other flu-like symptoms
  • Anaemia
  • Dryness of eyes and mouth
  • Weight loss
  • Pain radiating to neighbouring regions (back)
  • Bone and joint deformities (at an advanced stage)
  • Throbbing pain in the joint and muscles after some activity
  • Joint pain during slight movements of hand and legs
  • Difficulty performing mundane activities such as walking, running or climbing stairs

 

Types of rheumatoid Arthritis

The International Classification of rheumatoid Arthritis is given below-

  • Seropositive rheumatoid Arthritis: It includes all categories of rheumatoid arthritis except arthritis of the spine and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Felty’s syndrome: It is characterized by splenoadenomegaly and leukopenia.
  • Rheumatoid vasculitis: It is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels.

 

Diagnosis

The following diagnostic tests are carried out to determine the cause and degree of rheumatoid Arthritis-

  • X-rays (to detect joint inflammation or cartilage destruction)
  • MRI scan (to examine joint injury if any)
  • Synovial fluid analysis ( to look for inflammatory cells)

 

Treatment and prevention

Rheumatoid Arthritis manTreatment

Medication 

  • Over-the-counter NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help in relieving pain and reducing inflammation. In case, OTC (over-the-counter) medications do not have much effect on the patient, stronger NSAIDs are prescribed by the doctor.
  • Medications to reduce joint pains, inflammation and joint degeneration are provided.
  • Certain medications can aid in reducing the progression of rheumatoid arthritis along with reducing degeneration of the surrounding tissues.
  • Medications that can target the part of the immune system that causes inflammation are called biological agents. These medications are prescribed to those who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Therapy – Here the patient will have to undergo physiotherapy and occupational therapy. These therapies help the patient by reducing pain and by learning ways to manage their day-to-day activities with moderate to less pain.

Surgery 

  • Synovectomy – This surgery is performed on the knees, elbows, fingers, and hips to remove the inflamed lining of the joints.
  • Tendon repair – This surgery is done to repair the tendons around the inflamed joints.
  • Joint fusion – When the patient is unable to undergo a joint replacement, their joints are realigned to help bring back balance and reducing their pain.
  • Total joint replacement – Here the damaged joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint made of metal or plastic.

Low FODMAP diet for rheumatoid arthritis

Consuming high FODMAP foods cause common gastrointestinal problems such as bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea. This is because it is difficult for the gut enzymes to break these foods down and digest it, causing the intestines to bloat and absorb water while releasing gases such as carbohydrate, hydrogen and methane.

FODMAP stands for:

F – Fermentable. 

O – Oligosaccharides.

D – Disaccharides.

M – Monosaccharides.

A – and

P – Polysaccharides.

According to certain studies foods such as red meat (chorizo), wheat bread, barley induced flour, rye, sausages, milk products such as cow milk, goat milk etc. which are high in FODMAPs, can increase the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Foods such as walnuts, tuna, salmon, baby spinach, kale etc. consist of low FODMAPs, and are said to help reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Following a low FODMAP diet can help reduce consumption of artificially sweetened foods and fats. Consuming a low FODMAP diet can help in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention – Since there are no sure shot prevention methods, there are certain risk factors that can help in maintaining the condition.

  • Exposure to certain harmful minerals such as silica and or asbestos may increase the chances of developing arthritis.
  • Those who are overweight seem to be at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This is why it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
  • Cigarettes tend to contain nicotine, which has bone degenerative properties, which is why it is important that people do not smoke. If they do smoke, then quitting is the best option for a healthier lifestyle.
  • Knowing your family history is necessary to understand the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

The most fundamental fact about rheumatoid arthritis is that it is an autoimmune condition, aka, it arises as a result of your body’s immune system attacking the healthy cells. Secondly, it is not a rare condition. RA affects more than 1.5 million people in the USA alone. Also, it has been observed that women develop RA more than men (3x times more!). This condition is not localized to a particular joint (unlike osteoarthritis), but is spread throughout the body.
Though RA doesn’t get passed on from parents to offspring everytime, having parent(s) with this autoimmune condition does increase the risk of developing the condition in the child. There are certain genes which influence the autoimmune processes within the body. These are - HLA, STAT4, PTPN22, etc.The presence of these can not only increase the risk of RA but also that of other autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
Foods to eat in RA - Anti-inflammatory foods such as - fatty fish, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, olive oil. Foods to avoid in RA - Inflammatory foods such as - refined sugar, salt, processed junk, vegetable oil, alcohol, caffeine, tobacco etc.

 

Dos and Don'ts

Dos
  • Exercise regularly. This helps in making sure that the joints are not stiff.
  • Soak the affected joints in warm water.
  • Partake in water-based exercises as they help in blinding up muscle strength and aid in easing the pain.
Don'ts
  • Lift anything that is heavy, including weights. This could make the pain worse.
  • Make any sudden movements; this can increase the symptoms of arthritis.
  • Forget to take your medications on time or delay going for physiotherapy.

 

 

 

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Amylase Test Amylase test is done by checking the level of this protein in the blood sample and also in…
eating disorder anorexia
Eating Disorders: Lifestyle choice or a psychological condition? Is eating disorder just a harmless bad habit? Or does it represent grim psychological disorders? Do you want…
SIBO Diet: The important dos and don’ts of this gut-healing diet A SIBO diet is a diet that works by eliminating certain sugars from your diet and adding fibers…
copper serum test
Copper Serum Test Copper serum test checks for abnormal levels of copper in the body. Both high and low levels of…
complement c4 test
Anemia Profile Anemia Profile test (Basic) is a blood screening test that measures the levels of important components of the…
What is the right way to take a pregnancy test? A pregnancy test is undertaken to determine if you have conceived. A home pregnancy test is the most…
apolipoprotein a1 test
Apolipoprotein -A1 (APO-A1) Test Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo-A1) constitutes 70% of protein content in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and helps in lipid metabolism.
Ovarian cyst diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cysts Know everything about ovarian cysts, its causes, types, diagnosis and treatment options such as home remedies and surgical…
Ovarian cyst diagnosis and treatment
Ovarian cysts Know everything about ovarian cysts, its causes, types, diagnosis and treatment options such as home remedies and surgical…
Heart diseases patient
Heart Valve Surgery A heart valve surgery is a procedure to replace or repair the diseased heart valves. The most commonly…
Coffee Enema: Turn your favorite morning beverage into a powerful colon cleanser The wonders of coffee are not just limited to waking you up every morning. You can now use…
Oxidative Stress: Understanding the most lethal phenomenon happening in your body right now Free radicals cause damage to the body, which is known as oxidation.  The amount of oxidation caused by…
Vitamin K2: 8 reasons why you need this bone-building & cancer-fighting nutrient Vitamin K2 is claimed to be essential for your bone health, for reducing the risk of cancer, and…
Anhedonia: Does the chronic inability to feel joy affect you too? How often do you feel dragged down by an invisible force? Do you feel an inexplicable emotional numbness…
biopsy procedure
Biopsy Biopsy is a procedure of studying a live tissue sample collected from a specific organ for diagnosing a…
Mood swings
The real reasons for your mood swings and how to overcome them Are you prone to heated moods frequently? Do you also feel bouts of depressive feeling creeping up on…
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
Green, brown, & bitter: The instant advantages of including fenugreek in your diet Did you know the earliest usage of fenugreek can be traced back to the Egyptian civilization? Find out…
Kava: Is it the healthy substitute for alcohol you have been waiting for? Native to the beautiful South Pacific islands, Kava is a famous beverage rooted in the local culture. It…
Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) test Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) is an enzyme that is found in every cell of the body and it plays…
stress depressed anxiety
Are you depressed or just stressed? Know when to see a doctor Why are some people more anxious than others? Is being depressed the same as feeling sad? Have you…
APL IgM Test
Antiphospholipid Antibody(APL)-IgM test The antiphospholipid antibodies are specific protein in the body directed against the phospholipids. It is used to detect…
alcohol toxic
7 startling facts that will make you quit alcohol today Does drinking really make you friendly and happy? How many calories does a can of cold beer add…
helping friend with depression
Support and care tips for helping people with depression Read to find out what is depression, its causes and symptoms. Also check out the steps describing how…
Blood Disorders cancer
Immunotherapy immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts the body's immune system to identify the cancer cells and fight cancer.
Lung cancer xray
Lobectomy Lobectomy is a surgery where a lobe of the diseased lung is removed. It is mainly done to…
heartfail_2
Open Heart Surgery An open heart surgery is a major procedure performed to treat heart diseases like congenital heart problem, heart…
Miracle extract from the root of maca: 10 ways it can help you! Maca root has been used for years in herbal medicine. Today scientific research is unearthing fresh evidence in…
Quinine: How gin and tonic came to be known as a potent health elixir The discovery of quinine-containing tree bark is sometimes considered the most serendipitous medical discovery of the 17th century.
Tart Cherry: The healthiest excuse for taking that second serving of pie Tart cherry has been traditionally used in delectable desserts such as pies. Recent studies have revealed that its…
Shilajit: A miracle Himalayan herb for an active and happy life The Himalayas contain more wonders than you thought. Shilajit is a miracle herb that is widely used in…
Jack in the box fast food
Jack In the Box : The perils of surging fast food culture in the USA Jack in the Box - How a culture of fast-food can clog your arteries, weaken your heart, fatten…
anti ds dna test
Anti Ds-DNA antibody Test The  Anti Ds-DNA antibody test is used to diagnose the disease called lupus or more aptly the SLE(Systematic…
Ca 19.9 test
CA19.9 Test CA 19.9 is a cancer antigen that exists on the surface of cancer-causing cells. The levels of CA…
These are the top foods to increase your hemoglobin count It is important to add iron-rich foods into your diet in order to increase hemoglobin. Deficiency of hemoglobin could…
Vagus nerve: 7 health benefits of stimulating the “gut-brain” connection As a matter of fact, there are two vagus nerves namely the left and the right but is…
Chest X-Ray A chest x-ray is a diagnostic test that uses x-rays to visualize the structures inside your chest. It…
CLA: A breakthrough weight loss supplement with minimal side effects Tried every weight loss supplement in the market with no substantial gain? Why not try CLA supplements, derived…
HSV-1_IGG
Herpes Simplex Virus I (HSV)-IgG Test Herpes simplex virus I(HSV)-IgG is an Immunoglobulin protein that acts as an antibody & stays in the blood…
vdrl test syphilis
VDRL Test The VDRL test is a blood test that is used to diagnose sexually transmitted or venereal diseases, primarily…
What is Qigong and how can it help you channelize you inner “Qi”? Qigong is an integrated way of performing a traditional exercise regimen that can help in promoting health, mental…
Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody (tTG) Test Transglutaminase is an enzyme present in our body and is involved in protein metabolism. A tTg test is…
6 arguments in favour of glucosamine and where can you find it Studies have shown that glucosamine works by preventing the breakdown of cartilage of the joints. This is usually…
xylitol gum
Xylitol : Is this the right sugar substitute for you? Discovered during World War 2 owing to sugar shortage, xylitol has become a common name in pharamaceutical industry.…
Cordyceps: How the Caterpillar fungus works as a proven cancer-shield Strange as it may sound, but cordyceps or "caterpillar fungus", a fungus variety native to the Himalayas may…
General adaptation syndrome: Understanding stress, one step at a time The struggle of the body to produce hormones during a stressful situation is the main theme of general…
Bronchoscopy procedure
Bronchoscopy Bronchoscopy is a procedure where in a scope is inserted into the lung pathway to observe any growth…
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is suffering from any…
Tamarind: The top health benefits of this staple Asian ingredient Did you know this sweet and sour pulpy fruit does more than just add a tangy flavor to…
Hibiscus: Nourish your beauty and health with these vibrant blooms Hibiscus is a trumpet shaped flower found abundantly in tropical countries. It has been historically used for its…
Erythritol: A healthy sugar substitute or yet another marketing ploy? Erythritol is a popular choice of a healthy alternative sweetening agent in foods. But how healthy can a…
Trisodium Phosphate: How a paint thinner made its way into your breakfast Ever thought how toxic chemicals find their way into our foods? How can they harm our body? And…
folate test
Folate test The Folate test measures and monitors the levels of folic acid in the blood. This test is also…
BRAT Diet: What is the right way to follow this diarrhea-relieving diet? BRAT diet, a simple diet consisting of just bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, can help you combat the…
Psyllium Husk: More than just an effective natural laxative Psyllium husk, or isabgol, is a popular natural laxative . But did you in addition to regulating bowels,…
Alp enzyme-test
ALP test – Alkaline Phosphate ALP or alkaline phosphate is an enzyme mainly produced by the liver and gallbladder. ALP test measures the…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
antiHEV IgM test
Anti hepatitis E virus (Anti HEV) IgM Test Anti HEV IgM test determines the level of the IgM antibodies in the blood, The disease is often…
sodium chloride
Halotherapy: How inhaling salt can work wonders for your body Halotherapy is quickly gaining popularity amongst those with respiratory diseases. It has shown promise in its treatment.
Love tea, hate tannins? Rooibos tea is just what you need The market is brimming with a multitude of herbal teas. But what makes rooibos tea (or red bush)…
liver detox facts
7 liver detox facts and why ignoring these could kill you! Are you taking care of this organ that handles over 500 different vital functions in your body? Your…

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