Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Insights

Diagnosis and Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a special type that occurs when the immune system attacks the tissue lining the joints on both sides of the body. In some cases, it can also affect other parts of the body.

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, and treatment includes lifestyle changes, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medication, and surgery. Here, we will discuss rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and their complications and provide detailed insight into the diagnosis and treatments.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the lining of joints. It affects the joints in the fingers, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, feet, and toes.

RA usually occurs in the same joints on both sides of the body, which differentiates it from other types of arthritis. Uncontrolled inflammation damages cartilage, corroding the bones. Specific cells in the immune system (the body’s fighting system) aid in reversing this process.

What are the Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Mainly there are four stages of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA):

● Stage 1

In the initial stage of RA, there is inflammation in the tissue around the joints. The rheumatoid arthritis early symptoms include stiffness and joint pains. There is no sign of destructive bone changes at the initial stage.

● Stage 2

The inflammation gradually damages the cartilage in your joints. Stiffness and a decreased range of motion are the most noticeable first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes, in stage 2, the body begins to form antibodies known as rheumatoid factor, which can be detected in blood tests.

● Stage 3

Inflammation in this stage is so severe that it starts damaging the bones. Individuals will experience more pain, stiffness, and even less range of motion. Patients may begin to see physical changes, which are the first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

● Stage 4

This is the final stage when inflammation stops, but the joints worsen. Individuals will have severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Most individuals experience lower muscular strength in the joints.

It may take many years to go through all the stages, and some people do not progress through all the stages.

Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Doctors mainly classify Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA) into the following main types:

1. Seropositive

It is characterised by certain antibodies in the blood, such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). This type is considered more severe and can lead to joint damage, deformity, and other complications. Seropositive arthritis accounts for most of the RA cases.

2. Seronegative

Patients with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis have RA symptoms but test negative for RF and ACPA. It is usually less common than seropositive RA, so these are not found frequently. Seronegative rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are similar to those of seropositive RA, but they are less severe.

3. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in children under 17 is known as JIA. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include inflammation, stiffness, fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes. Some patients suffer spinal-related problems like stiffness in the spinal cord and inflammation in the nerves.

What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Studies have shown that the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis lag after the initial stage of the autoimmune disorder. It may be misleading for the patients to get misleading reports after doing any kind of clinical test.

Let us discuss the list of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis as follows:

● Pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness in more than one joint

● Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for more extended periods

● Stiffness and pain in the same joints on both sides of your body

● Fatigue

● Weakness

● Fever

RA affects everyone indifferently, and common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis develop over several years.

What are the Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

In some instances, treatment can lead to further complications, such as:

● Viral Infections

Due to compression in the immune system, chronic rheumatoid arthritis can cause viral infections like the common cold or flu. Certain viruses, like Parvovirus, Hepatitis B and C, and Epstein-Barr Virus, have been linked to RA development and autoantibody formation.

● Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve, which causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hands and fingers. It is one of the unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation and swelling in the wrist. Compression of the median nerve while traversing through the carpal tunnel causes this syndrome in elderly patients.

● Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a common comorbidity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is characterised by weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. RA is an inflammatory disorder that produces antibodies that degrade bone metabolism and contribute to bone loss. Patients may also have a higher prevalence of other osteoporosis risk factors, such as smoking, calcium and Vitamin D deficiency, and hypogonadism.

● Heart Disease

Patients suffering from RA have an increased risk of developing heart-related issues like coronary artery disease and heart failure. Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries) and other cardiovascular problems.

● Interstitial Lung Disease

One of the prominent signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is interstitial lung disease. It is a severe extra-articular manifestation of RA, which significantly impacts lung function and survival. Other symptoms include shortness of breath and a dry cough in elderly patients. The main symptoms include inflammation and scarring of the lung tissues, leading to breathing problems and cardiac arrests.

● Lymphoma

People with rheumatoid arthritis are at an increased risk of developing lymphoma, specifically non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma(NHL). The general population has a roughly doubled risk, and the risk is linked to the severity and activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis(RA).

What are the Early Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Feet?

The most common symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the toes and ankle joints. They are often accompanied by tenderness and warmth, along with numbness and tingling sensations.

Unlike osteoarthritis, which typically affects one specific joint, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms usually appear in both feet, involving the same joints on each foot. Swelling of the toes and ankles makes it difficult to wear shoes. Additionally, you will notice a feeling of warmth or heat around the joints.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Although the exact cause of RA is unknown and still under research, a combination of genetic and environmental factors is associated with it. RA is an autoimmune disease in which the immune cells mistakenly attack the healthy tissues on the joints of the feet and ankles; these are the common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Researchers believe that different genetic and environmental factors like smoking and vitamin and calcium deficiency are associated with developing arthritis in elders. However, many people with genetic factors do not develop any symptoms.

How to Diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Proper treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis is not currently available in the medical field, but treatments are available to ease symptoms like pain and swelling of the joints of the knees and ankles. Let us discuss the different methods to diagnose RA:

1. Physical Examination

Physical examination of the inflamed joints is the most conventional and primary technique for diagnosing RA. Additionally, doctors study the patient's family history to determine whether any of his family members had previously suffered from RA. Family history is a key component in determining the potential risk of developing arthritis.

2. Blood Tests

A higher level of Rh antibodies in blood confirms the presence of Rheumatoid arthritis in the body. Other than this, Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are present in Rheumatoid arthritis patients.

3. Imaging Tests

Imaging tests help determine the inflamed area, which will help the doctor to diagnose it properly. The main imaging tests are:

● X-rays: One significant indication of RA is bone erosion and joint damage, which can be identified by X-ray imaging.

● Ultrasound: Ultrasound can help visualise the soft tissues and joints, showing inflammation and damage.

● Magnetic Resonance Imaging: It provides detailed images of joints and surrounding tissues, allowing a more comprehensive assessment of inflammation and damage.

What are the Methods to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Clinically, there is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but there are certain medications and surgeries to treat RA. These are:

● Corticosteroids: These drugs have anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activity and are effective for RA patients.

● Tumour Necrosis Factor Inhibitors: Macrophages and lymphocytes produce TNF, a pro-inflammatory cytokine. These mediate the joint damage of feet and ankles.

● Surgical Approaches: Undergoing surgery treatment can at least cure the pain and inflammation of the joints.

Final Takeaway

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms vary within different patients. Researchers believe that genetic and environmental factors determine the risk of RA. Seeking proper medical aid can reduce the risk of life-threatening complications in elderly patients.