What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that affects multiple joints in the body, especially the hand and feet. In this condition, the immune system starts attacking body’s tissues which include joints and other organs. The disease affects both sides of the body, a characteristic that also distinguishes it from other types of arthritis.

In Rheumatoid Arthritis joint lining is attacked by the abnormal immune cells, which causes painful swelling. Over time, this inflammation can cause joint deformity and bone erosion.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

•    Joint Pain

•    Joint Swelling

•    Joint Stiffness

•    Loss of function in Joints

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

•    Abnormal functioning of the immune system

•    Injury

•    Family History of RA

Diagnosis

No particular test can help the rheumatologist to identify Rheumatoid Arthritis, so they prefer test to become sure about the condition which includes X-Ray Exams, Ultrasonography, and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) for determining the damage of the RA and the severity of the damage. 

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis doesn’t have a permanent cure but, certain medications and regular physiotherapy can help slow the progression of the disease. Most patients can live their life, fulfilling all errands by taking anti- Rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).  

Medications – can help in minimising the pain, and allowing its symptoms to fade over time.

Lifestyle Changes – can allow patients to live a healthy life by adopting a healthy diet that will provide them with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Physiotherapy – will help in restoring muscle strength and function back in the body making more flexible with regular exercise.

Surgery – can help in permanently getting rid of the joint pain caused due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. RA can be treated with these two surgical approaches:

• Joint Replacement

This surgical procedure involved extraction and removal of the defected or damaged joint and replaced with a new artificially designed functioning joint.

• Arthroplasty

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which the musculoskeletal joint’s articular surface is realigned, or remodelled by osteotomy for repairing or replacing the joint.

Application of hot/cold packs – can help in relieving swelling allowing the muscles to relax.

Assistive devices – available in the market for providing support or massaging the joints can also help with restricted function in the joints.

Note: Doctor usually works with the patient to determine the best suitable treatment for their condition. Surgery is often considered as the last resolve if none other treatment works out. Some cases might require slight lifestyle, while other can demand an urgent surgery.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Cost

The cost of Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment can only be determined depending on the patient’s choice of treatment. A procedure will cost starting from USD 800, while other home-made remedies and therapies will cost a patient around $500 or less every month till he breathes as the medicines and physiotherapy both demand regularity for sustaining the results 

Medical Treatment in India will require the patients to spend $300 for investigations and another $300 dollars more for medications.

FAQs

Is Rheumatoid Arthritis curable?

The symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis can relieved to allow the patients to live a decent life, but the condition doesn’t have a permanent cure.

Are there any specific food items that I should include in my diet to help with my Rheumatoid Arthritis?

There are specific food items that patients can include in their diet that can help them in reducing inflammation in their joints.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Chia Seeds, Walnuts, Flax Seeds, Fatty Fishes

Vitamin A, C, E – Dark Chocolate, Pecans, Artichokes, Kidney Beans, Spinach, Berries etc.

Apart from these items ensure to eat lots of vegetables and fruits. Food containing flavonoids are also helping in countering inflammation.

Explore Medmonks.com to learn about different arthritis conditions and their treatment in India.