Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Everything You Need to Know
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Everything You Need to Know
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Prepared by the Hesperion Research Team
Important: This article provides general information only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and official product information.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Imagine your immune system, whose job is to protect you from infections, mistakenly attacking your own joints. That’s exactly what rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is—a chronic autoimmune disease. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, most often in the small joints of the hands and feet. The good news is that although RA is a lifelong condition, modern treatments allow most patients to live active, normal lives and stop the disease from progressing.What Causes RA?
The exact cause is still unknown, but several factors can work together to trigger the disease:- Genes: A predisposition to RA can be inherited. If someone in your close family has RA, your risk is slightly higher.
- Immune system: Malfunctions in the immune response cause it to attack healthy tissues.
- Sex: Women are about three times more likely to develop RA than men.
- Infections: Certain viruses or bacteria may “trigger” the disease in people who are predisposed.
- Lifestyle: Smoking and chronic stress significantly increase the risk.
Common Symptoms of RA
RA usually develops gradually. At first, it may feel like the flu—fatigue, low-grade fever, or loss of appetite. Later, more specific joint symptoms appear:- Pain and morning stiffness: Joints feel most painful and stiff after waking up. The stiffness usually lasts more than an hour.
- Swelling: Joints become swollen and warm to the touch.
- Tenderness: Even light pressure, such as a handshake, can be painful.
- Symmetry: RA often affects the same joints on both sides of the body (e.g., both wrists).
What to Do if You Suspect RA
Don’t delay—make an appointment with your family doctor, who can refer you to a rheumatologist if needed. The earlier treatment begins, the higher the chance of avoiding permanent joint damage. Seek medical help urgently if you experience:- Sudden worsening of symptoms (pain, swelling, fever).
- Signs of infection (fever, cough, sore throat).
- Neurological problems (numbness, weakness, severe headache).
- Chest pain or shortness of breath.
- Severe abdominal pain or black stools (which may indicate bleeding from pain medications).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors diagnose RA based on medical history, physical examination, blood tests (e.g., RF and anti-CCP), and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound). The goal of treatment is remission—a state where the disease is inactive. Treatment focuses on slowing disease progression and calming the immune system.Main Types of Medications
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): The cornerstone of treatment, preventing joint destruction. Methotrexate is the most common. Results may take several months.
- Biologic and targeted therapies: Modern drugs that block specific inflammatory pathways. Used when traditional treatments aren’t effective enough.
- Supportive medications: Glucocorticoids (steroids) and NSAIDs provide quick relief of pain and swelling but are used short-term.
Treatment Is More Than Just Pills
To manage RA effectively, lifestyle changes are also important:- Exercise: Gentle, regular activity (swimming, yoga, walking) strengthens muscles and maintains joint mobility. Avoid strain during flare-ups.
- Diet and weight: Keep a healthy weight to reduce joint stress. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps protect bones.
- Rest: Listen to your body—fatigue is a common RA symptom, so allow yourself downtime.
- Quit smoking: Smoking worsens RA and reduces treatment effectiveness.
- Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from family or a psychologist. Living with a chronic illness can be challenging.
