Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes joint pain. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is joint pain caused by wear and tear on the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that can affect other organs including the eyes, lungs, skin, and heart.
This type of arthritis affects an estimated 1.3 million adults in the United States or about 0.6% to 1% of the adult population. When not treated, it can lead to complications including frequent infections, osteoporosis, and lung disease. If you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, treatment can reduce your symptoms and make your disease much more manageable.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis occur when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. It is unknown exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis, though many doctors suspect it may be caused by genetics and/or certain environmental factors.
Risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Gender. Women are two to three times more likely than men to get rheumatoid arthritis.
- Age. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common among aging adults.
- Family history. You may be at higher risk if this disease runs in your family.
- Smoking. Cigarettes and other tobacco products can increase inflammation throughout the body and put you at risk for a wide range of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.
- Body weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for this disease.
- History of live births. Women who have never given birth are at higher risk.
- Diet. People who eat high amounts of salt, sugar, iron, and red meat are typically at higher risk.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Joint pain and inflammation are the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms can quickly come and go and be worse at some times than at others. Joint pain in the hands, wrists, and knees is common in rheumatoid arthritis.
Other signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Pain, aches, and discomfort in multiple joints at the same time
- Stiffness in multiple joints that may be worse in the morning
- Swelling and tenderness in multiple joints
- Same joint-related symptoms on both sides of the body
- Joint deformities
- Loss of joint function
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is usually diagnosed using a variety of tests and procedures. A physical exam, blood tests, and imaging tests can help diagnose this disease and rule out other conditions that produce similar symptoms.
During a physical exam, your healthcare provider will examine your joints for signs of swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and deformities. Your joint function and range of motion may also be tested. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist called a rheumatologist for further testing if it’s suspected you have rheumatoid arthritis.
Blood testing can check for the presence of certain proteins and antibodies in your blood that is associated with inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Imaging tests like a CT scan, ultrasound, and X-ray can provide your doctor with a more clear view of joint damage.
Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to minimize your symptoms and flares and to make you feel as comfortable as possible from day to day. Medications, physical therapy, and surgery are common treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
Medications
Corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents are common medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Corticosteroids are given as injections and can reduce inflammation and joint pain. They may also slow the progression of your disease. These medications are usually only given short-term due to the risk of side effects including diabetes and obesity.
DMARDs and biologic agents can slow the progression of your arthritis and protect joints from future damage. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen that can reduce both pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy teaches you specific exercises and stretches that can reduce symptoms in problematic joints. These movements can be done conveniently at home and can complement other rheumatoid arthritis treatments.
Surgery
Surgery may be performed in severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis or when medications and physical therapy are not effective at reducing your symptoms and helping you find relief. Surgery may involve repairing damaged tendons and joints or removing inflamed joint linings. It may also be performed to fuse joints that are unstable or to replace faulty joints with new, artificial joints.
Additionally, your doctor may recommend exercising regularly to strengthen the muscles around your joints and modifying your diet to include more fruits and vegetables and fewer foods high in sugar, sodium, and iron.
Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you may have rheumatoid arthritis or meet the risk factors for this disease. Your doctor can perform an exam, review your medical history, and run the necessary tests to properly diagnose your condition. If you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor will help you find one or more treatments that can effectively relieve your symptoms.