Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Basic Facts
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic,
inflammatory type of arthritis, also classified as an autoimmune
disease. The joints are primarily affected by rheumatoid arthritis,
though it is possible that there can be systemic effects too, whereby
organs are affected.
Symptoms Associated With Rheumatoid
Arthritis:
Primary symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis include joint
pain, joint swelling or effusion, joint stiffness, redness and/or warmth
near the joint, restricted range of motion as well as morning stiffness
which lasts for more than one hour and involves the small bones of the
hands and feet, extreme fatigue, rheumatoid nodules and symmetrical
joint involvement.
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
No single laboratory test or x-ray can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Rather, to properly diagnose this disease, a combination of test
results, a physical examination and patient medical history are needed.
Tests which are commonly ordered to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis
include:
• Rheumatoid factor - determining whether an immunoglobulin (antibody)
can bind to other antibodies determined by a blood test.
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate - a blood test which determines
nonspecific inflammation in the body.
• C-reactive protein - a blood test that measures the concentration of a
special type of protein produced in the liver.
• Anti-CCP test - a test that is able to detect the antibodies against
citrullinated proteins, which have a relatively high sensitivity for
rheumatoid arthritis.
X-rays and MRIs are also ordered to help with the diagnostic process, as
well as throughout the course of the disease to monitor the
effectiveness of treatment. The goal of early diagnosis and early
treatment is to prevent joint damage.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
The primary course of traditional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis
includes specialized medications. Each individual patient is evaluated
by their rheumatologist and a treatment plan is recommended. Along with
medication, some forms of complementary treatment or local injections
may help relieve pain.
Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
About 1.5 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with rheumatoid
arthritis. Women tend to be more affected than men - in fact, about 75%
of rheumatoid arthritis patients are women. Nevertheless, it can occur
in both genders and possibly, in children too. The disease onset for
rheumatoid arthritis occurs between 30 and 60 years old.