What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Causes and Risk Factors

 

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown. However, it is believed to result from an overactive immune response triggered by several risk factors:

 

๐ Age: Can occur at any age

๐ Gender: Women are about 3 times more likely than men

๐ Genetics: Family history increases risk

๐ Obesity: Higher body weight increases susceptibility

๐ Environmental exposure: Chemicals such as asbestos and silica

๐ Smoking: Increases both risk and severity of the disease

 

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

 

Symptoms often develop gradually over weeks or months:

 

General Symptoms

๐ Fatigue and weakness

๐ Mild fever

๐ Weight loss

 

Joint Symptoms

 

๐ Pain, swelling, redness, and warmth

๐ Joint stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity (lasting >1 hour)

๐ Symmetrical joint involvement (both sides of the body)

 

Commonly affected joints:

๐ Fingers and hands

๐ Wrists

๐ Elbows

๐ Knees

๐ Ankles and feet

๐ Neck

 

Early Signs

 

๐ Pain begins in small joints (fingers, toes)

๐ Progresses to larger joints (arms, legs)

๐ Reduced grip strength

๐ Difficulty moving joints

 

Advanced Symptoms

 

๐ Joint deformities

๐ Nerve compression (causing numbness)

๐ Difficulty walking or performing daily activities

 

Complications

 

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect other organs and systems:

๐ Bone loss (osteoporosis)

๐ Muscle weakness

๐ Skin nodules (rheumatoid nodules)

๐ Eye inflammation and vision problems

๐ Lung inflammation (shortness of breath, dry cough)

๐ Heart and blood vessel disease

๐ Sjogren’s syndrome

๐ Increased risk of certain cancers (e.g., lymphoma, skin cancer)

 

Diagnosis

 

Diagnosis requires a combination of:

๐ Physical examination

๐ Blood tests

๐ Imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound)

 

Treatment

 

Although rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, it can be effectively managed.

 

1. Medication

๐ Anti-inflammatory drugs

๐ Pain relievers

๐ Steroids

๐ Disease-specific medications (DMARDs / biologics)

 

2. Surgery

 

For severe joint damage:

๐ Joint repair or replacement

๐ Improves function and reduces pain

 

3. Physical Therapy & Exercise

 

๐ Maintains joint flexibility

๐ Strengthens muscles

๐ Improves mobility

 

Prevention and Self-Care

 

Currently, there is no guaranteed prevention. However, early diagnosis and proper care can slow disease progression.

 

Recommended Self-Care

 

๐ Regular follow-up with specialists

๐ Joint-friendly exercises

๐ Avoid heavy lifting and joint strain

๐ Maintain a healthy weight

๐ Eat foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C

๐ Apply cold compress (3-4 times/day, 20 minutes each) for pain relief

 

Conclusion

 

Joint pain-especially in the wrists, fingers, ankles, or knees-may not be just a minor issue. It could be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

 

 

 

 

source : Bangpakok 9 International Hospital

**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team