Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes and Symptoms

Study Notes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints (synovium)
The exact cause is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development
Risk factors:
- Family history
- Age: RA typically develops in middle age
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop RA than men
- Smoking
- Obesity

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in multiple joints (typically small joints in hands and feet)
Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Low-grade fever
Nodules or lumps under the skin near affected joints

Physical examination to assess joint mobility and tenderness
Laboratory tests:
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) test
- Anti-citrullinated protein antibody (anti-CCP) test
- Complete blood count (CBC) to rule out other conditions
Imaging tests:
- X-rays to monitor joint damage
- Ultrasound or MRI to detect inflammation

Medications:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Biologics to target specific proteins involved in inflammation
Lifestyle modifications:
- Rest and exercise to maintain joint mobility
- Physical therapy to improve joint function
- Assistive devices to reduce stress on joints
Surgery: Considered for severe cases, to repair or replace damaged joints

Exercise:
- Gentle exercises to maintain joint mobility and strength
- Avoid high-impact activities that put excessive stress on joints
Diet:
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber
- Avoid processed foods and sugar
Stress management:
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
- Get adequate sleep to reduce fatigue
Quitting smoking: To reduce disease severity and improve overall health

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints (synovium)
Genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development, but the exact cause is unknown
Risk factors include:
- Family history of RA
- Middle age, as RA typically develops during this stage
- Being female, as women are more likely to develop RA than men
- Smoking, which increases the risk of RA
- Obesity, which is a contributing factor to RA

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in multiple joints, especially small joints in hands and feet
Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
Fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss
Low-grade fever, which is a common symptom
Nodules or lumps under the skin near affected joints can occur

Physical examination to assess joint mobility and tenderness
Laboratory tests:
- Rheumatoid factor (RF) test to detect antibodies
- Anti-citrullinated protein antibody (anti-CCP) test to detect specific antibodies
- Complete blood count (CBC) to rule out other conditions
Imaging tests:
- X-rays to monitor joint damage and progression
- Ultrasound or MRI to detect inflammation and joint damage

Medications:
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow disease progression
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Biologics to target specific proteins involved in inflammation
Lifestyle modifications:
- Rest and exercise to maintain joint mobility and strength
- Physical therapy to improve joint function and mobility
- Assistive devices to reduce stress on joints
Surgery: Considered for severe cases, to repair or replace damaged joints

Exercise:
- Gentle exercises to maintain joint mobility and strength
- Avoid high-impact activities that put excessive stress on joints
Diet:
- Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber
- Avoid processed foods and sugar
Stress management:
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
- Get adequate sleep to reduce fatigue
Quitting smoking: To reduce disease severity and improve overall health