Rheumatoid Arthritis is mainly known for affecting the synovial joints, particularly the hands, knees, hips, elbows, etc. Technically it may be considered a systemic inflammatory disease, though it is also considered an autoimmune disorder. Most sufferers experience basic symptoms of morning stiffness, swelling or aching and limited mobility as their own immune system eats away at their joints. They’re known to experience weakness, carpal tunnel syndrome, contorted or deformed “opera glass hands”, or tingling of the fingers. Sufferers exhibit anything from brief, occasional flare-ups to perpetual and progressive chronic degradation for the rest of their life.

Causes for Rheumatoid Arthritis are still being investigated but it is known to effect somewhere between .5 and 1.5% of the population in North America. Women are slightly more susceptible at about 3%. And though most patients are aged 40-50 during the peak onset of symptoms, it is possible for manifestation to occur as early as childhood. There are links with several specific genetic indicators, types of infections triggers, environmental stimuli (such as smoking), or even hormones, though the interplay of these factors is varied and still under study. Early symptoms are now treated more aggressively, as it has been shown the immune system will feed back on itself, progressing even faster as cartilage and bone disintegrate.

Because RA is systemic, it may have ramifications across the body’s entire biological system. A general susceptibility to heart attack and stroke exists for RA patients, most likely from the persistent inflammation. Renal amyloidosis in the kidneys is another side effect of that inflammation. Other common effects include vasculitis in the skin and fibrosis of the lungs, anemia, as well as entrapment of nerves. Osteoporosis will sometimes develop around inflicted joints. Fatigue, dry eyes, low grade fever, and even lymphoma have been found associated with RA.

Beyond a diagnosis of basic symptoms further measures such as blood tests may reveal what is called the rheumatoid factor, a particular antibody which may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, but with a wide margin for exception. Other blood tests for anti-citrullinated protein antibodies, lupus erythematosus, Still’s disease, as well as renal and liver functions (among many others) may also be performed. These and others are necessary to differentiate RA from a variety of other types of arthritis and diseases, including Hepatitus C or Lyme’s disease. X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds are also very commonly used to see the extent of damage, especially over time, or to investigate a new area of the body that may be developing symptoms.

Herbal remedies, holistic cures and anecdotes as far as India including acupuncture, magnets or copper bracelets, obscure diets or elicit substances have even been suggested as unofficial solutions over the years. These often fail medical and scientific scrutiny. Most rheumatologists will recommend a healthy diet, weight loss, and low-impact exercise to keep joint muscles strong and help avoid unnecessary stresses. Joint replacement surgery is among one the least pleasant solutions to a knee or hip that has been severely damaged, though many elderly find themselves facing such a reality after years of suffering. It is not uncommon for older sufferers to be found unable to work after only a few years.

There is no definitive cure. RA may flare up only periodically or remain chronic. Its erosion of bone, cartilage and synovial tissue is not reversible. A range of treatments fall into two categories. For Immediate relief ibuprofen, naproxan or other NSAIDs are employed to regulate pain or inflammation. Types of steroids like cortisone have also been suggested for short term use or flare ups. These are administered by intra-articular injection right into the joint capsule. These can all be very dangerous themselves if used in large quantities over a long time, and they seldom address the core causes of RA.

The truly significant prevention treatment comes from DMARDs, a new kind of disease modifying drug. Methotrexate, for example, was originally intended for chemotherapy, but as an immuno-suppressant it has become one of the most popular and controllable recommendations of rheumatologists. Newer drugs Enbrel, Remicade or Humira actually fight the inflammatory cytokines (interleukin IL1b) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha). They noticeably slow or stop progression as well as address the superficial symptoms. This is key to avoiding the irreversible damage RA can cause. Several of these can often be used in concert with one another (such as Enbrel with Methotrexate), having combined results while also diminishing side effects through the use of respectively smaller doses. Though some of these drugs are still very expensive, studies now show that earlier treatment has exponential benefits.

Over the years, a much better appreciation for how rheumatoid arthritis works has led to extremely innovative and optimistic breakthroughs. Patients now face a far more livable, less painful, prognosis.

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