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Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects More Than Just Your Joints: Note The Unusual Symptoms Of The Condition

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints. It leads to inflammation and pain and occurs when the immune system doesn't work properly and attacks the lining of the joints, called the synovium. The condition can negatively impact many parts of the body, most commonly the hands, knees or ankles. However, RA is not just a joint problem. It can affect other organs and parts of the body too. Dr Shaloo Bhasin Gagneja, Senior Consultant-Rheumatology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, explains how and discusses how people with RA can improve their quality of life. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Goes Beyond Joint Problems

"RA is a condition that is often misunderstood as a simple joint problem, but the reality is that it goes far beyond that," said Dr Gagneja, adding, "The joint pain and stiffness that are characteristic of RA are just the beginning."

According to the Mayo Clinic, the chronic inflammatory disorder can also damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

Also Read: Beware Of These Triggers That Can Worsen Joint Pain In Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation describes RA as a systemic disease, meaning it can affect many parts of the body. 

The charity said, "In addition, the drugs used to treat RA can also cause health problems. Many of these problems, such as bone thinning or changes in kidney function, cause no immediate symptoms so your doctor may monitor you through lab tests or checkups."

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects The Eyes

One common eye issue associated with rheumatoid arthritis is dry eyes, which can result from RA-related conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, which causes a decrease in the amount of moisture in the eyes and mouth, according to Mayo Clinic. 

In addition, RA can also lead to inflammation of the eye's white part, known as scleritis or episcleritis, leading to redness, pain, and potential vision problems. 

Moreover, RA may increase the risk of uveitis, a condition that can result in eye pain, redness, and blurred vision. 

Skin Problems Associated With RA

Arthritis can also cause skin issues, which is often triggered by RA-related inflammation of the blood vessels, also known as vasculitis. It can lead to rashes characterised by small red dots, says the Arthritis Foundation. In certain cases, medications used to treat RA, such as corticosteroids, can cause thinning of the skin and susceptibility to bruising, the charity adds further. 

Impact On Lungs

Besides causing fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, redness and pain of eyes, and skin rash, Dr Gagneja said that RA can also lead to breathing difficulties, hinting at how RA can impact lung health too. According to the Mayo Clinic, lung issues associated with rheumatoid arthritis include scarring (interstitial lung disease) leading to breathlessness and cough, lung nodules (rheumatoid nodules), and pleural inflammation with possible fluid buildup causing breathing difficulties. 

Also Read: How Temperature Changes Influence The Risk Of Gout Attack: Measures To Take

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Also Cause Easy Bruising

There are a combination of factors behind why RA causes easy bruising. One primary reason is the use of certain medications to manage RA, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, which can affect blood clotting, making it easier for blood vessels to break and result in bruises. 

Additionally, chronic inflammation in RA can lead to fragile blood vessels and compromised platelet function, contributing to easy bruising. Reduced mobility and joint pain in RA may also lead to accidental bumps and injuries, further increasing the likelihood of bruising.

Managing The Condition

Dr Gagneja said, "Managing RA requires a comprehensive approach that addresses all aspects of the disease. This may involve medication to control inflammation and pain, physical therapy to improve mobility, and counselling to address the emotional impact of living with a chronic illness."

"It is important that people be aware about this condition and its potential impact on their lives. By understanding the severity of this condition and the available treatment options, patients can take an active role in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life," she added. 

Remember, with appropriate treatment and self-care, it is possible for patients with RA to lead fulfilling and productive lives, despite the challenges posed by the condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation: 5 Best Treatment Options For Arthritis Induced Joint Pain

VERIFIED Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation: 5 Best Treatment Options for Arthritis Induced Joint Pain Say goodbye to arthritis-induced joint pain and inflammation with these treatment options that are easily available in the hospitals in India.

Around 18 million people suffered from rheumatoid arthritis in 2009, and 70% of them were women. Often considered a condition affecting only the elderly, it can have a profound impact on young adults. In a survey conducted on more than 1lac patients, Redcliffe Labs found elevated levels of rheumatoid factor in nearly 12% of individuals aged 26 to 40. Since this health condition can cause serious health impacts and may impact the lifestyle while hampering daily activities, it is crucial to understand its diagnostic aspects. Studies suggest that timely diagnosis can help control the symptoms and disease progression.

Today, on World Arthritis Day, Dr. Sohini Sengupta, Medical Director, Redcliffe Labs, tells us about the best treatment options for arthritis-induced joint pain and inflammation, available in India.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that majorly causes joint discomfort. It can affect other body parts like skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This autoimmune disorder emerges when the immune system mistakenly targets one's body tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis impacts the lining of joints, leading to painful swelling that may ultimately result in bone erosion and joint deformity. This inflammation is the root cause of the damage it can inflict on other organs. Although there have been significant advancements in treatment, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still lead to physical disabilities.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

While the exact cause remains uncertain, genetics, smoking, and family history, among others, are some factors that can set off the health condition. Early diagnosis is one of the key factors that can help manage the symptoms. Adults between the ages of 25 to 40 are at a crucial productive stage, and it is crucial to identify the disease to preserve joint health. Chances are that the earlier it is identified, the probability of preventing long-term joint damage and ensuring an active, pain-free life increases. Delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible joint destruction and increased disability.

Clinical evaluation and diagnostic methods

The first step in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is the clinical assessment of the symptoms. Some symptoms include joint pain and stiffness on both sides of the body. Individuals may also experience inflamed joints and rheumatoid nodules or lumps in pressure-prone bony areas like elbows. In most cases, it also leads to fatigue and feeling unwell. In the last decade or so, advanced diagnostic tests have been playing a crucial role in timely intervention:

Rheumatoid Factor (RF)

This blood test checks for RF, an antibody in many people with rheumatoid arthritis. Along with this, doctors use other tests and evaluations to diagnose the condition.

Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (anti-CCP)

It detects anti-CCP antibodies, which can appear before the onset of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, aiding early diagnosis. This test is more sensitive than RF Factor Test and useful in the early prognosis.

Complete Blood Count

It measures different blood cell counts and can help diagnose anaemia, often seen in RA patients.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and C-reactive Protein

It assesses inflammation and helps diagnose and monitor disease activity.

To assess joint damage, imaging tests, including X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound, are commonly used. X-rays are particularly useful in monitoring disease progression, while advanced techniques like MRI and ultrasound can diagnose RA in its early stages and assess disease severity.

Holistic Approach For Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Individuals experiencing suggestive symptoms must seek medical attention promptly, as early intervention can significantly improve their quality of life and long-term prognosis. Beyond diagnostic tests, embracing a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and adopting a healthy lifestyle like limiting alcohol and quitting smoking to manage rheumatoid arthritis effectively. These proactive measures are vital for sustaining lifelong joint well-being and overall health.

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The Importance Of Early Diagnosis And Treatment: A Rheumatologist's POV

The journey from delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options to early intervention and advanced therapies represents a substantial transformation in rheumatology.

Rheumatoid arthritis afflicts around 1% of the population. This chronic condition manifests as painful joint inflammation, often leading to severe deformities in the hands and feet, hindering daily activities. Additionally, it can be associated with complications like dry eyes, mouth, and even lung issues, causing discomfort and breathlessness. Dr Rohini Samant, Consultant Rheumatologist, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim, shares that sometime in the early nineties, patients with rheumatoid arthritis were diagnosed about 3 to 10 years after the onset of symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Awareness And Understanding

The awareness and understanding of this disease were limited, and there were only a couple of effective drugs and very few rheumatologists in a large metro like Mumbai to treat these patients. Patients would have usually been prescribed painkillers and steroids and would later present with established deformities, damage to their joints and inability to perform activities of daily living. This led to an increase in orthopaedic referrals for joint replacement surgery. A sense of hopelessness pervaded patients and the medical community.

Cut To 30 Years Later, In 2023

The landscape has shifted dramatically over the past three decades. Today, patients with rheumatoid arthritis come in much earlier, usually within the first few months of joint pains and other symptoms. Being early in the disease course, they have no deformities but have symptoms of early morning stiffness (of more than 1/2 hour) and joint swelling. Combining clinical examination and newer lab tests and Ultrasound / MRI, if needed, has enabled an early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment Options

Effective and affordable treatment options are used individually or in combination based on the patient's age, co-morbidities, and disease severity.

During This Period

Newer lab tests and radiological tools to diagnose this disease also became available. The excitement triggered by these new developments also helped rheumatology as a speciality to come into its own. With postgraduate institutes starting super speciality programmes in rheumatology, the number of trained rheumatologists in Mumbai has increased to over 50. This has helped spread awareness about early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis among the medical fraternity and improved the outcome of this once dreaded/ hopeless disease.

Conclusion

The journey from delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options to early intervention and advanced therapies represents a substantial transformation in rheumatology. This transformation underscores the pivotal role of disease awareness, early diagnosis and treatment, upskilling and training to improve patients' quality of life.

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