The chronic autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis results in joint discomfort and inflammation. Other body parts may also be impacted. Understanding the signs and symptoms of this disease is crucial since early detection may help prevent joint injury. Continue reading to learn about rheumatoid arthritis’s symptoms, causes, and diagnosis.
Rheumatoid arthritis: what is it?
An autoimmune condition called rheumatoid arthritis results in excruciating joint pain and inflammation. It can also impact the entire body because it is a systemic illness. When the immune system unintentionally targets healthy bodily structures or cells, this disorder results.
Both sides of the body suffer joint deterioration from this kind of arthritis. For instance, if one hand’s joint is impacted, it’s possible that the other hand’s joint will be as well. The hands, wrists, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet are the primary joints affected by RA. Early diagnosis and therapy can help control the disease and stop additional joint degeneration, even though there is no known cure for it.
Which rheumatoid arthritis kinds exist?
Rheumatoid arthritis mostly comes in three forms, including:
- Rheumatoid arthritis that is seropositive: You may have seropositive RA if your blood test results for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-CCP are positive. This indicates that your immune system attacks your joints because of the antibodies you have.
- Rheumatoid arthritis that is seronegative: Seronegative RA may be the cause of your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms if you have negative findings from both the rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP testing.
- JIA, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, this illness affects youngsters 17 years of age or younger. JIA produces symptoms that are comparable to those of the other varieties of rheumatoid arthritis, but it also causes problems with physical development and inflammation of the eyes.
What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Joint pain and swelling are the primary signs of this illness. Among the most typical symptoms are:
- Pain in more than one joint
- Stiffness and swelling in more than one joint
- Same joint symptoms on both sides of the body
- Loss of joint functions
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Low appetite
During episodes of flare-up or aggravation, these symptoms could worsen. Additionally, the remission period is when the symptoms totally go away.
Rheumatoid arthritis: what causes it?
Being an autoimmune disease, RA develops when your immune system unintentionally targets healthy bodily structures or cells. The precise cause of RA is still unknown, though. Rheumatoid arthritis is thought to be caused by a number of risk factors, including smoking, bad food, sex, age, heredity, and obesity.
How is RA identified?
Your doctor will initially perform a physical examination to assess joint inflammation before recommending specific laboratory tests, such as an anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor test, to diagnose a RA disease. This is available at Thyrocare, which also provides free home sample collection for a Thyrocare blood test. Additionally, your physician may recommend imaging tests such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and X-rays.
There are numerous strategies to manage RA even though there isn’t a long-term cure. In order to control RA symptoms and improve mobility, doctors typically recommend drugs, dietary modifications, and particular forms of exercise.
