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Home > Blog > Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis and How to Treat It

Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis and How to Treat It

Know About Rheumatoid Arthritis and How to Treat It

Max Lab

Jun 02, 2022

Arthritis Profile Test

Includes 8 tests

₹ 3500

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that is characterised by inflammation in the joints of both sides of the body, like the knees, hands, and wrists. A person may suffer from swelling, restricted movement in that body part, joint pain, and stiffness. Its symmetrical occurrence in joints on both sides of the body makes it different from any other form of arthritis. If a person experiences uncontrollable inflammation, then it can damage the cartilage, which is the shock absorber in joints.

The disease has a long-term impact on your joints, leading to joint deformation. Further progression of this disease can lead to bone erosion. This autoimmune disease is caused when the body's immune system creates antibodies that work against healthy tissues and cells, especially joints. This systematic autoimmune disorder affects other body organs like the heart, lungs, blood, and eyes. A doctor usually prescribes an anti-CCP blood test for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Other than this, an anti-CCP test is also recommended to check the severity of the disease and chances of damage. A positive test result indicates a high chance of having rheumatoid arthritis in the patient. It is also important to know that even if the anti-CCP test result is negative, there are slight chances that the person still has rheumatoid arthritis as it is a clinical disorder.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. However, there are several factors that can trigger this medical condition, such as:

  • Genetics
  • Hormones
  • Environment

Several environmental factors, such as viruses and bacteria, may impact the immune system. Unhealthy lifestyle choices of the individual are another risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissues of the body. RA affects the joint lining, causing joint inflammation and pain. Research shows this autoimmune disease is more common in females as compared to males. This autoimmune disorder usually develops in the age group between 30 and 60 years. However, young adults, children, and elderly people above the age of 60 can also suffer from this medical condition.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may have varied symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis may develop over a span of a few years or more rapidly, which varies from person to person. It is one of the most common joint pain diseases. Some of the most common symptoms of RA are:

  • Pain and stiffness
  • Weakness

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

When one thinks about how to cure rheumatoid arthritis permanently, it often leads to a closed end as there is no permanent cure for RA. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis depends on several factors, such as the severity of the disease, its impact on other organs, and so on. There are certain treatments that can give relief to the joints, slow down joint damage, or reduce inflammation.

  • Medication

One of the most common treatments for rheumatoid arthritis is anti-inflammatory medications. These medications are non-steroidal. Rheumatoid arthritis impacts the joints like knees and hands on both sides. These medicines help in reducing its symptoms. Disease-modifying drugs and biological response modifiers are some of the common medications used in the treatment of this disease.

  • Therapy

Regular exercise and therapy are the most common treatment approaches suggested by doctors. Physiotherapy helps to ease the pain and inflammation in specific body parts.

  • Surgery

This is the advanced treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, which is recommended when medication and therapy do not give satisfactory results. Rheumatoid arthritis patients are suggested to go for surgery in case the condition worsens. Some of the surgeries available for treatment are:

  • Joint Replacement

In this treatment method, a plastic or metal prosthetic is used for joint replacement. The damaged portion of the joints is removed and replaced with this prosthetic.

  • Joint Fusion

Rheumatoid arthritis patients can benefit from joint fusion surgery to provide relief from pain. In this surgery, the joints are stabilised and realigned.

  • Tendon Repair

In this treatment process, ruptured tendons that are affected by joint inflammation are repaired.

The treatment method depends on the stage of this autoimmune disease. A doctor may ask the patient to go for surgery if their RA is moderate to severe. If the disease is at an initial stage, medication and therapy can relieve the pain. An anti-CCP test should be performed if a person exhibits rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. This test is also used to detect the severity of rheumatoid arthritis in people who have previously been diagnosed with it.

This test can be performed when the doctor recommends it. Max Lab offers home blood sample collection if a person book the lab test online. Our medical professional comes to your home to collect samples, which normally takes a few minutes. The report generation time for the anti-CCP test is within 24 hours of the sample collection. The exact course of action is suggested by the doctor depending on the person’s medical reports.

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