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Are You Suffering From Joint Pain And Stiffness?


With the passing age joint pain and stiffness have become a reality for many people around the globe. Joint pain and stiffness can occur due to several reasons. For many people it is due to arthritis. Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints,it has many types but if you are experiencing symmetrical joint pain accompanied by morning stiffness then it might be rheumatoid arthritis.


What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune, symmetrical polyarthritis (pain in more than four joints) characterized by chronic inflammatory synovitis of peripheral joints (small joints of hands and feet). 
RA is distinguished from other forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis by the fact, if any joint of foot, arm, leg or hand is affected you will see the symptoms in the same joint on the other side of the body as it is symmetrical.

It is more common in the female population as compared to male approximately 3:1 and peaking between the age group of 35-50 years. Its prevalence is 1-1.5% .

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown following may be the risk factors.
  • Genetic factors 
  • Autoimmunity 
  • Female gender 
  • Cigarette smoking
Pathogenesis of RA

RA is a disease of the synovium/synovial membrane. The synovial membrane lines the inner surface of the joints, In rheumatoid arthritis there is swelling and congestion of synovial membrane and underlying connective tissues due to this it becomes infiltrated with plasma cells, lymphocytes,and macrophages which leads to the effusion of synovial fluid into the joint space.
The synovial membrane then becomes more numerous and grows out over the surface of the cartilage which leads to erosion and destruction of the cartilage.

Signs of RA

The affected joint area will show the following signs
  • Warmth and redness
  • Swelling 
  • Tenderness
  • Limitation of movement 
  • Deformities
  • Extra-articular features
  • Subcutaneous nodules
Symptoms of RA
  • Joints pain: The pain is worst on waking in the morning and reduces with activity.
  • Morning stiffness: There is morning stiffness in the affected joint for several hours and then subsides with activity.
  • Fatigue and malaise
  • Extra-articular symptoms: RA affects the joints, as well as other body systems.
Investigations for RA

Your doctor can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by observing your signs, symptoms and by performing required lab tests,
  • RA factor 
  • ESR(erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
  • Radiography: An x-ray of a RA patient shows the following characteristics symmetric involvement, loss of articular cartilage and bone erosion.
Managements for Rheumatoid arthritis
Non-Pharmacological Treatment: Its always better to be treated without medication. So non-pharmacological management of RA includes 
  1. Heat and Cold therapy 
  2. Rest 
  3. Exercise: Your physical therapist examines your joint condition and plans a treatment accordingly. Initially passive range of motion (passive ROM's) is best tolerated by the patient then as the condition improves progressive resistance exercises can be introduced and exercises to improve joint stability, mobility and muscle power.
  4. Splints
  5. Weight loss
Pharmacological treatment 
There are four general approaches to medical management of RA.
  1. Low dose corticosteroids
  2. Disease-Modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS)
  3. Immunosuppressive drugs
  4. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

The course of this disease and its symptoms may vary from person to person. Its early treatment is important to save the joint from further damage. So if you or your loved ones are experiencing any symptom of RA, visit your healthcare provider as early diagnosis is better for a good prognosis.



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