Rheumatoid arthritis treatment

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What is RA?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition caused by the immune system attacking joint linings which are known as synovium. The attached synovia become thicker, resulting in joint inflammation and pain. This is an important difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is caused by “wear and tear” whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body is attacking itself. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects multiple joints and occurs on both sides of the body, whereas osteoarthritis may affect only one knee or elbow, for example. Rheumatoid arthritis can even cause serious problems in the eyes, heart or lungs. It usually develops in middle age and affects more women than men.

Symptoms and causes

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, meaning it never fully goes away. However, its symptoms can be managed. Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint inflammation and pain and sometimes a low-grade fever, loss of appetite, anemia or fatigue. Hands and feet are commonly affected, and they may become swollen or reddened in addition to stiff and painful.

Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include morning stiffness, numbness or tingling, and a decreased range of motion in some joints. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects multiple joints on both sides of the body and can create problems in the eyes, heart or lungs. Symptoms usually come and go - known as flares and then periods of remission, where the patient is symptom-free.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is typically treated through a combination of diet, rest, exercise, topical products and supplements. Dietary changes that may be helpful include increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids from foods such as fatty fish, chia and flax seeds and walnuts, increased Vitamin A, C and E (antioxidants) intake from foods such as berries, spinach, kidney beans and pecans, and getting enough fiber from whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Rest, exercise and hot and cold compresses can also relieve symptoms. Analgesics such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and aspirin, as well as some stronger prescription treatments, are also commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Treating rheumatoid arthritis

FAQs about rheumatoid arthritis

Is osteoarthritis a disability?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic and painful condition that can be disabling as it affects the ability to perform daily tasks or work. The condition is classified as a disability when there’s anatomical deformity of joints, a failing range of motion, and increased pain that prevents doing basic tasks like walking. Being a type of arthritis, Osteoarthritis is the reduction of cartilage between the joints that causes friction between the bones that can result in the formation of bone spurs and cysts and usually affects the hands, hips, knees, feet, and compression of the spinal nerves or spinal cord.
Is osteoarthritis hereditary?

While Osteoarthritis cannot be directly linked to a specific cause, there are common factors that have been identified. It is possible that it’s genetic where multiple family members suffer from the condition. If your grandparents, parents, and siblings have Osteoarthritis, there is an increased risk of you getting it, particularly with genetic joint defects. If you do have symptoms of joint pain, it’s important to gather medical history from your family before seeing a doctor as diagnosis relies on this information together with a physical examination. Other causes are also likely such as years of sport that can affect joints.
Can I claim pip for osteoarthritis?

If you are medically diagnosed with Osteoarthritis and it’s affecting your ability to work and earn an income, you may be able to claim Social Security disability benefits. People aged 16 years and over may qualify for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as a benefit to provide support in covering additional costs due to a long-term health condition or disability. PIP is paid when Osteoarthritis has a disabling effect on everyday life where load-bearing joints, like hands, feet, hips, knees, and spine are affected. It is a progressive joint disease that can worsen over time.
Can osteoarthritis spread?

The risk of developing Osteoarthritis increases with age. Many people over 60 years are likely to have some form of the condition with varying degrees of severity. It is an incurable, degenerative disease that progresses through four stages, which can take years or decades to spread. While the progression of Osteoarthritis cannot be stopped, early detection and therapy can slow the rate of degeneration. It usually starts in one large joint and typically spreads to other joints over time. One affected joint can alter movement and mobility, which in turn can affect the alignment of other joints predisposing them to Osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis slowly develop over time and initially start with pain and stiffness that doesn’t go away. Affected joints start hurting during or after movement and stiffness will be especially noticeable in the mornings or after a period of inactivity. Joints feel tender when any pressure is applied on or near the affected area. You may also start noticing a limited range of movement and loss of flexibility. Bone spurs, swelling and a grating sensation around the joints start occurring as the condition get worse. This is accompanied by popping or crackling sounds when moving the joints.