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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Meal replacement or protein drink? Learn all about Shakeology and its claims Shakeology from Beachbody claims to be the most suitable shake that can aid in weight loss, regulate blood…
CT-scan-machine
CT – Computed Tomography Scan CT scan or computed tomography scan is an diagnostic imaging technique where cross-sectional images of body are obtained…
Find all the instant ways to get rid of blackheads Blackheads - Not only are they aesthetically unappealing but if left untreated these can cause bacterial overgrowth on…
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…
Bubble Tea: Bubbling with nutrition or a hidden sugar mine? The tapioca pearls present in the tea looks like bubbles and hence the name bubble tea became popular.…
fructosamine test
Fructosamine Test A fructosamine test measures blood sugar glucose content. Fructosamine level can indicate blood sugar level in past 2-3…
folate test
Folate test The Folate test measures and monitors the levels of folic acid in the blood. This test is also…
Thyroid disorders
Thyroid Profile Thyroid profile is a panel of blood tests performed to check if an individual is suffering from any…
rosacea-treatment--before-_-after
The best and safest ways to treat rosacea Rosacea is a skin disease that is characterized by reddish hives and rashes on the face. Read more…
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…
Moringa drink
Moringa: This could be the most nutrient-dense food known to us! Moringa is a lush green tree brimming with over 90 essential nutrients required for a healthy mind and…
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)…
Pescatarian Diet 101: What are the inherent health advantages of this diet? People opt to become a pescatarian in order to enrich their bodies with the essential health benefits that…
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…
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…
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…
beta hcg test
Beta hCG Test A Beta hCG test measures the level of human gonadotropin hormones present in the blood that is primarliy…
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…
Rubella IgM test
Rubella IgM Test The Rubella IgM test is a blood test that is performed to diagnose the presence of the rubella…
cystatin C
Cystatin C Test Cystatin C is a specific single-chain protein that is found in body fluids and is a biomarker for…
hidden benefits walking
9 benefits of walking we bet you didn’t know! Did you know walking can be the miracle pill for eternal youth? Everyone knows walking is good for…
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…
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…
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.
Ear pain model
Easy and safe tips for ear wax removal you can do at home Cerumen impaction generally occurs when an external object like cotton swabs are used to remove the ear wax.…
Barium-enema
Barium Enema Barium enema is also known as colon x-ray. Here, the patient is asked to consume small amount of…
colposcopy
Colposcopy Colposcopy is a simple, quick and non- invasive diagnostic tool to look closely inside the vulva, vagina, and…
CEA_test
Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test CEA or carcinoembryonic test detects the presence of CEA antigen in your blood mainly & determines the effectiveness…
vdrl test syphilis
VDRL Test The VDRL test is a blood test that is used to diagnose sexually transmitted or venereal diseases, primarily…
iron deficiency profile
Iron Deficiency Profile An iron deficiency profile is a battery of blood tests which are performed in order to determine the…
woman with abdominal pain holding ovulation calendar
Ovulation – facts to know about ovulation Learn how and when ovulation occurs, demystify common misconceptions, identify symptoms, methods of detection and right period for…
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…
Astaxanthin: Why experts believe it could be 550x more potent than vitamin E! What is astaxanthin and why is this new supplement on the block touted as the most powerful antioxidant…
Experts reveal the safest ways to perform an enema at home The idea of pushing some up your rectal area might make you queasy but an enema could actually…
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…
Gua sha: Scraping away layers of pain with this ancient healing tool Gua sha is an ancient oriental healing method which focuses on scraping the body with specific tools to…
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…
Oxalates: How healthy greens can sometimes be bad news for your kidneys Oxalates are compounds present in a majority of healthy foods. However, at times an overconsumption of these could…
Urologist: When should you visit one and why? A urologist can treat not only genitourinary problems of both men and women but also can treat various…
The Cabbage Soup Diet: The healthiest way to instant weight loss Cabbage soup diet rapid weight loss diet for those who want to shed those extra pounds in less…
Balneotherapy jacuzzi
5 things you didn’t know about balneotherapy and how you can do it at home Sauna baths have been popular since a long time. But how much more beneficial can balneotherapy be as…
Bloodtestalbumin
Albumin Test Albumin test or blood serum test is a liver function test that measures the amount of the protein…
C-Reactive Protein Test A CRP or c-reactive protein blood test is an important diagnostic tool used to determine the risk of…
valproic acid test
Valproic Acid Test Valproic acid test is performed to generally check for psychiatric and even neurological conditions such as bipolar disease…
malarial antigen test
Malaria Antigen Test A malaria antigen test is a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that can detect malarial antigens (proteins) in your…
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…
aspartame or sugar
Aspartame – Hidden truths about this storm in a teacup Aspartame, the artificial sweetener, has gone under the scanner on several occasions for allegedly doing more harm than…
High Fiber Diet – Fire up your fiber intake for these health benefits! Regular bowels, healthy detox, higher immunity, and guaranteed weight loss - a high fiber diet can bring all…
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…
How can berberine supplements help you live longer and healthier? Berberine is a turmeric look-alike herbal extract that is credited with numerous health benefits ranging from diabetes cure…
Carb Cycling: Weighing the pros vs the cons of this diet routine Completely discarding carbs from your life will do you more harm than good. Read more about carb cycling,…
Appendix pain: Recent findings on this not-so vestigial organ The exact function of the appendix is still not clear. Some consider it as an organ that once…
ASTtest-liver
AST- Aspartate Aminotransferase Test AST test is a blood test that is used to measure the level of a particular liver enzyme…
Hysteroscopy_procedure
Hysteroscopy Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive tool to help specialists view the uterus to diagnose and even treat several…
ANTIPHOSPHOLIPIDANTIBODY(APL)_IgG
Antiphospholipid (APL) antibody-IgG The Antiphospholipid Antibody testing is a blood test used to determine an autoimmune disorder called Antiphospholipid syndrome linked…
amylase test
Amylase Test Amylase test is done by checking the level of this protein in the blood sample and also in…
sodium blood test
Blood Sodium Test A blood sodium test measures the amount of sodium (an important electrolyte) in your body. It is also…
leptospira Igm test
Leptospira-IgM Test A Leptospira-IgM test is a blood test which is carried out to detect anti-Leptospira IgM antibody. Leptospirosis is…
shoudler exercises
Keep your shoulders pain-free with these shoulder exercises Shoulder exercises are important in order to prevent chronic back and neck pain. Learn more about how you…
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…
dance health benefits
5 unbelievable effects of dance on your overall health! You enjoy dancing, but did you know what else it does to your body? Dancing is not only…
oral hygiene tips
6 shocking consequences of bad oral hygiene (and how to avoid them) Did you know bad breath is not just turning off, but also harms your body in ways you…
Drinking water benefits
8 reasons why you should grab a bottle of water now! Did you know you don't have to be thirsty for hours to be dehydrated?You could be dehydrated right…
ginger benefits healthy
Ginger: Why is it called the root of all remedies? Be it in form of tea or juice, ginger has a lot to offer when it comes to…
Is it possible to achieve full body detox with Master Cleanse? Master cleanse is a diet consisting of a lemonade based beverage, a salt water drink and a herbal…
How accurate is the hair follicle drug test? Hair follicle drug test is one of the best ways to identify drug use in professional circles. But…
lipase test
Lipase Test A lipase test is a blood test performed to quantitatively measure the level of the enzyme lipase in…
Okra: How can this nutrient-dense vegetable help you fight diabetes? Okra is a food which is rich in nutrients and minerals which are extremely essential for a healthy…
kshar sutra
Kshar sutra treatment for piles, fissures and fistula Read to know the benefits and side effects of kshar sutra to treat anal piles, fissures, and fistula…
lose weight fast
12 easy and instant steps to successful weight loss Do you want to lose weight without losing your mind? Does weight loss always mean saying goodbye to…
yoga health benefits
How to practice yoga for astounding health benefits Can a 5000-year-old system be the ultimate body healer? Did you know yoga can make you smarter and…

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