Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms & treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that affects your joints. This disease can be treated by an orthopedic specialist or rheumatologist, or through a collaborative effort.

Our team of orthopedic specialists and rheumatologists at Aurora Health Care is here to help you manage your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and improve your quality of life. We offer the latest treatment and diagnostic methods, providing you with many options to meet your needs.

Rheumatoid arthritis vs. osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are types of arthritis that cause similar symptoms. Despite their similarities, they are very distinct conditions based on what is causing the symptoms, such as joint pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are caused by your immune system mistakenly attacking your joints. Whereas osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease caused by the wear and tear of cartilage that cushions your joints.

A noticeable difference is that rheumatoid arthritis often results in symmetrical joint pain, meaning it affects both sides of your body, while osteoarthritis typically affects joints asymmetrically.

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis remains unclear, but it likely involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes can make you more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis, and environmental triggers such as infections may activate the disease.

Smoking, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins like asbestos and silica are also risk factors that can increase your likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Does rheumatoid arthritis get worse with age?

Rheumatoid arthritis can become more severe over time, especially without proper treatment. As you age, chronic inflammation can cause lasting joint damage and deformity.

However, early diagnosis and effective treatment and lifestyle changes can slow the progression of the disease and help you maintain a good quality of life.

How quickly does rheumatoid arthritis progress?

The progression of rheumatoid arthritis varies widely among individuals. Some people experience a rapid onset of symptoms, while others have a slower, more gradual progression.

The disease is characterized by periods of flare ups (when symptoms worsen) and remissions (when symptoms improve). Early and aggressive treatment is essential to control inflammation, prevent joint damage and manage the disease’s progression.

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis

Your provider will perform a medical exam and review your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and medical history to diagnose this condition. Your doctor may also perform blood tests to determine if your arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis or your joint health is being affected by another condition.

Blood tests can detect markers of inflammation and specific antibodies, such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP).

Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRIs or ultrasound may be done to help assess joint damage and inflammation, providing a clearer picture of rheumatoid arthritis’ impact.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatments and therapies

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression:

• Medications: This includes NSAIDs for pain relief, corticosteroids for reducing inflammation and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression.
• Physical therapy: Exercise and physical therapy can help maintain joint flexibility and strength. Therapists can also recommend assistive devices to aid mobility.
• Immunosuppressive therapy: This is a drug regimen that reduces the body's immune system activity. It's mainly used to aid organ transplants, as the drugs help reduce the risk of the patient rejecting the new organ. However, it’s often used with autoimmune diseases as well.
• Surgery: While rare, surgical options such as joint replacement may be necessary to restore function and relieve pain in severe cases.

Lifestyle modifications for rheumatoid arthritis

Adopting healthy lifestyle changes is vital in managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively. Some lifestyle changes that may help provide relief include:

• Regular exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming or cycling keep your joints flexible and strengthen muscles.
• Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on your joints, particularly the knees and feet, which can alleviate pain and improve mobility.
• Stress management: Techniques such as yoga, Pilates, meditation and deep breathing can help manage the stress and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• Assistive devices: Using canes, splints or braces can protect your joints and improve mobility, helping you perform daily activities with less pain.