Know about Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. In severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent joint destruction and deformity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

• The most common cause of rheumatoid arthritis is the immune system's abnormal response to healthy body cells. This is caused due to hormone changes.
• Infectious agents like bacteria and viruses can also cause RA
• Obesity
• RA can be triggered by stressful events like physical or emotional trauma
• Environmental factors can also play a part

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

•  Joint pain, tenderness, swelling, or stiffness for six weeks or longer
•  Morning stiffness for 30 minutes or longer
•  Pain in more than one joint
•  Small joints like joints in wrists and fingers are affected
•  It affects joints on both sides of the body

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

Various factors diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you notice any of the above symptoms, you need to visit a doctor, and you will be recommended to visit the Orthopaedics. The doctor will perform the following evaluations to make the diagnosis.

•  Medical history
•  Physical examination
•  Blood test
•  Imaging test
•  Ultrasound
•  Check for inflammation and antibodies

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

After the evaluation, the Orthopaedics will determine the extent of severity and then recommend you the treatment. The treatment can range from:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroid medications
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs
• Surgery for severe cases. Joint fusion or joint replacement is done to relieve pressure and pain
• Physiotherapy

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet Tips

 Even if there is no specific RA diet, some foods reduce the inflammation in your body. Here are some diet tips that you should keep in mind if you have Rheumatoid Arthritis.

•  Reduce the amount of salt and sugar in your food
•  Reduced amount of alcohol
•  Avoid saturated fats
•  Avoid foods rich in Omega-3
•  Avoid refined carbohydrates

Tips for dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis

•   Pay attention to the triggering factors of RA
•   Avoid sitting in the same position for an extended period
•   Walk and stretch for every half an hour
•   Cold and hot compresses may help ease the pain
•   Take breaks between long stretches of work

Also Read: What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Kauvery Hospital

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common problem that usually affects older people but has become prevalent even among the younger generation. Rheumatoid Arthritis can be managed with early diagnosis and help from qualified Orthopaedics. Kauvery Hospital has the best Orthopedic department in the city and can help you with quality and swift treatment.

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