Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of autoimmune arthritis (autoimmune arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system fights the body’s own tissues and not just harmful pathogens that may enter our system). Women make up 75% of sufferers, and although RA is most likely to strike those in the 30-50 age group, it can also arrive later in life. Many of us will also recall friends who suffered this debilitating disease while they were only in their teens or early 20s.
Although RA is most often experienced in smaller joints (such as the feet, hands, and wrists), it will also attack larger joints such as elbows, hips, and knees. Interestingly, RA commonly attacks joints in tandem, for example both wrists rather than one, are impacted. Organs are not immune to the ravages of this disease, either, with RA often impacting the health of the eyes, lungs, and heart.
Pain from RA is the result of swelling in the joints. In the case of RA affecting the heart, the result can be experienced as pericarditis – an inflammation of the heart lining which can present as chest pain. In the eyes, RA can be felt as dry eye syndrome where a sufferer feels they have grit or sand in their eyes. These symptoms are usually worse as evening wears on, upon waking, or after long stretches of reading or watching screens. Other than being experienced in joints, RA is most likely to impact the lungs. It is in the lungs that RA can result in pulmonary nodules (small growths), a build-up of fluid between the lungs and the wall of the chest, damage to airways, and lung disease.
Although there is currently no cure for RA, the disease is best managed if diagnosed early. However, RA can be difficult to diagnose due to symptoms, in its early stages, being so similar to those found in other conditions. Diagnosis involves blood tests to check for signs of inflammation and antibodies, as well as scans. Over time, x-rays may be required to help track the impact of RA in the joints.
When RA is detected in its early stages, and appropriate drugs are administered, there is a greater chance symptoms can be eased, and a sufferer will enter a ‘quieter’ period known as ‘remission’. Medications may include anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain, swelling, and irritation, and steroids (which have the potential to slow joint damage). In the case of steroids, which have potentially serious side effects, these drugs may be administered for a short period, only, or with the goal of tapering off once symptoms are under control.
As well as medication, those with RA can work towards helping themselves through lifestyle changes (always talk to your GP before embarking on any of these). Such changes may include an anti-inflammatory diet, and low-impact aerobic exercise such as swimming, or walking. Because there is an association between tobacco use and RA, visiting your GP to discuss quitting smoking as soon as possible is important. Above all, schedule regular appointments with your medical professional – RA, and also the medications with which to treat its symptoms, can change over time.
Often, we don’t want to burden family members with our medical problems. However, as well as RA risk factors such as age, gender, smoking, and obesity, heredity also features in the list. Around 0.5% of the general population will suffer from RA, and among that group, around 60% will have others with RA in their family. Because RA is best treated early, it pays to let others in your family know if you are experiencing the disease so they have the best opportunity to seek help as soon as they notice potential symptoms.
An RA diagnosis can be frightening, but it can be reassuring to know treatment for symptoms is available, lifestyle changes have the potential to help, and there are dedicated organisations you can go to for advice.
Maureen Woodall - 4 months ago
I read somewhere that the acid in tomatoes can arrogate the pain of arthritis, so I stopped eating tomatoes and I no longer feel the stabbing pain in my finger joints.