It cannot be denied that healthy joints support our daily mobility. If the joints feel painful, it will be difficult to move or move. One disease that can attack the joint area is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Because it is included in the category of autoimmune disease, it causes the body's immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from infection, to attack the body's own tissues, especially the synovial membrane that lines the joints. This causes swelling, pain, and can ultimately damage the joint structure permanently.
What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be seen as follows:
- Joint Pain : Usually starts in small joints such as fingers and toes, then can spread to larger joints such as wrists, knees, elbows, hips and shoulders. This pain often feels worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
- Swelling : Joints with rheumatoid arthritis can become swollen, red, and also feel warm to the touch. This swelling can also last for weeks or even months.
- Joints Feel Stiff : This symptom is felt in the morning or after productive hours. This stiffness can last for several hours and make daily activities difficult.
- Fatigue : Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers often feel tired and also lack energy, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life.
- Mild Fever and Weight Loss : In some cases, sufferers may also experience mild fever and unexplained weight loss.
Get to know the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood, but there are several factors that are known to increase a person's risk of having this disease, including:
1. Genetics
A family history of rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of this disease. Certain genes have been associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, including HLA-DRB1.
2. Environmental Factors
Exposure to certain types of infections or microorganisms may trigger RA in genetically susceptible people. Other environmental factors such as air pollution and exposure to cigarette smoke may also play a role.
3. Hormones
Women get RA more often than men, which suggests a possible role of hormones in the development of this disease. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those that occur during pregnancy or menopause, can affect RA symptoms.
4. Smoking
Smoking habits have also been shown to increase the risk of RA and worsen the severity of the disease. Smoking can trigger an abnormal immune response and accelerate joint damage.
In the case of a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging will be carried out. Some commonly performed tests include:
- Blood tests measure levels of inflammation in the body (for example, C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)), as well as looking for specific antibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). The presence of RF and ACPA may indicate rheumatoid arthritis, although it is not always present in all sufferers.
- Imaging via X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound can be used to see joint damage and inflammation. This imaging helps in assessing the extent of joint damage and monitoring disease progression.
Also Read: Recognize Psoriasis, Chronic Skin Inflammation Due to Autoimmune
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Steps
The goal of rheumatoid arthritis treatment is to reduce symptoms, slow or stop joint damage, and improve the sufferer's quality of life. Some common treatment options include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) aim to slow the progression of the disease and can also avoid damage to the joints.
- Physiotherapy is physical exercise guided by a physiotherapist that can help maintain joint flexibility and strength. Physiotherapy programs often include stretching and strengthening exercises.
- In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints. Surgery may include synovectomy, tendon repair, or total joint replacement.
Let's do prevention and lifestyle changes
Although there is no definite way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis, several steps can be taken to reduce the risk and slow the progression of the disease, namely by maintaining a healthy diet. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and green vegetables, can help protect body tissue from damage. Don't forget to stop smoking because this bad habit not only increases the risk of RA but also worsens the symptoms and response to treatment. Doing regular exercise helps maintain flexibility and muscle strength. Activities such as walking, swimming, and yoga are very beneficial for RA sufferers.
In addition, practicing stress management through relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation can help manage stress, which can worsen RA symptoms. It is best to avoid activities that have the potential to cause joint injury. Protecting joints from injury can help prevent the development of RA. Using assistive devices such as braces or splints on vulnerable joints can help reduce the risk of injury .
We now know that rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disease and requires proper medical attention to manage its symptoms. Although there is no medicine that can completely cure rheumatoid arthritis, proper treatment can help sufferers live a more comfortable and productive life. Early detection and effective management are key to reducing the negative impact of this disease. Knowledge about the symptoms, causes, and treatment of RA can help sufferers and their families to better face the challenges posed by this disease. Support from the medical community, family, and friends is also very important in the rheumatoid arthritis treatment journey.
Written by Dr. Robby Pratomo Putra. Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist – EMC Tangerang Hospital)