Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is an autoimmune disorder affecting the joints of the hands and feet. RA occurs when the body’s defence system attacks its own tissues. The attack results in swollen, painful joints with a stiffness that worsens after rest or sleep. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects joint lining which causes swelling and pain, and leads to bone erosion and joint deformities, over a period of time.

There is no definite cure for the disease, however new types of medications have definitely improved the chances of getting treated. Physical therapy and medications help to slow down the severity of the disease.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • Fatigue and tiredness.
  • Joint pain, tenderness, and swelling.
  • Redness and warmth in the joint areas.
  • Joint stiffness which worsens after a period of rest.
  • Deformity and shifting in joints or bones. 

Causes

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the following things:

  • Immune system disorder.
  • Genetics.

Risks

Factors that may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • Sex: Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Age: Commonly begins between the age of 40 - 60.
  • Family history.
  • Smoking.
  • Environmental exposures.
  • Obesity.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of this disease, these are certain things one should take care of:

  • Quitting smoking.
  • Adopting a healthy lifestyle.
  • Exercising regularly.
  • Limiting exposure to environmental pollutants.

How is it diagnosed?

At Medanta, the following technologies are used to find the existence of the disease: 

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How is it treated?

There is no definite cure for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. At Medanta, the main aim of our doctors is to make treatments available to relieve symptoms and keep the body functions normal. 

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  • Medication

    The combination of early diagnosis and antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) bring relief and restore the quality of life.

  • Physical examination

    To keep a check on the effectiveness of medications, regular check-ups and follow-up with the physician are recommended.

When do I contact the doctor?

You should consult a doctor immediately, if there is constant state of tiredness in injunction with symptoms such as severe joint pain, swelling, tenderness and warmth in the joints, and shifting and deformity in the bones along with redness. 

Book an Appointment

How does Medanta provide care?

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