Rheumatoid arthritis is usually associated with people over 40. However, Women’s Editor, TEMITOPE OJO, writes that it can occur at any age and is more common in women than in men
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints of the hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
An auto-immune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the body tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis sometimes can affect other organs of the body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs and blood vessels.
“Many people with arthritis and rheumatic diseases suffer from joint pain and stiffness, which can cause a person to avoid exercise out of the fear of increasing their pain or causing injury. However, exercise, when properly planned and safely executed, can do just the opposite,” says Dr. Eze Obinna, a general medical practitioner.
He stated that though rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, it usually begins after age 40, adding that the disorder is much more common in women than in men.
Arthritis is usually chronic and it progresses slowly. Specific causes for most forms of arthritis are not yet known.
Obinna says the three most prevalent forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.
“Osteoarthritis, the most common type, involves the joints, particularly the weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and spine. It is characterised primarily by the destruction of cartilage and narrowing of the joint space. It can also include bone over-growth, spur formation and impaired function,” he stated.
“It occurs in most people as they age, but may also occur in young people as a result of injury or over-use.
“Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread pain in muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints throughout the body, while rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that involves the lining of the joint. The inflammation may affect all of the joints.”
According to Obi, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:
* Pain and stiffness in the joints
* Swelling in one or more joints
* Continuing or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint
* Difficulty using or moving a joint in a normal manner
* Warmth and redness in a joint
Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the smaller joints first, particularly the joints that attach fingers to hands, and toes to feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of body.
The symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause joints to deform and shift out of place.
In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for arthritis usually include: x-rays or other imaging procedures to show the extent of damage to the joint; blood tests and other laboratory tests; rheumatoid factor test, to determine if rheumatoid factor is present in the blood; urinalysis, to determine levels of protein, red blood cells, white blood cells, and casts; and white blood cell count, to determine level of white blood cells in the blood.
“There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Medications and physiotherapy can reduce joint inflammation to relieve pain and prevent or slow joint damage. However, severely-damaged joints may require surgery,” said Dr. Obinna.
Physiotherapy suggests pain and joint relief management, which may include new ways to do daily tasks, which will be easier on joints. For example, if the fingers are sore, one may want to pick up an object using the forearms.
Assistive devices can make it easier to avoid stressing painful joints. For instance, a kitchen knife equipped with a saw handle helps protect the finger and wrist joints. Tools such as buttonhooks can make it easier to get dressed.
If medications fail to prevent or slow joint damage, Obinna stated that doctors may consider surgery to repair damaged joints. Surgery may help restore ability to joints, reduce pain and correct deformities.
He added that certain self-care measures, when used along with medications, can help manage the signs and symptoms.
*Regular gentle exercise helps strengthen the muscles around joints, and fight fatigue. However, avoid exercising tender, injured or severely inflamed joints.
*Apply heat or cold. Heat can help ease your pain and relax tense, painful muscles. Cold may dull the sensation of pain. Cold also has a numbing effect and decreases muscle spasms.
*Relaxing techniques such as light naps and deep breathing can be used to control pain.
*Plant oils such as evening primrose, borage and blackcurrant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid arthritis pain and morning stiffness.
*Some studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness.
Obinna added that with time, an arthritis patient would find what strategies work best for them.
