Beyond Joint Pain: Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, more than just joint pain, impacts the entire body. Affecting millions of adults who experience chronic inflammation, the autoimmune disease stems from the body attacking its own tissues. The condition can lead to various complications. Understanding RA, its causes, and available treatments is crucial, making informed decisions.Early intervention and management strategies for Rheumatoid arthritis are essential for improving quality of life.
Beyond Joint Pain: Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just achy joints. While joint pain and swelling are hallmark symptoms shared with over 100 different forms of arthritis, RA, an autoimmune disease, can impact teh entire body. Affecting approximately 1.5 million adults in the United States, RA is second only to osteoarthritis in prevalence. Osteoarthritis is frequently enough referred to as a degenerative “wear-and-tear” disease.
the Systemic Impact of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Untreated rheumatoid arthritis extends far beyond chronic pain.it can led to disability, organ damage, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The disease’s systemic nature means it can affect various organs.
We think of rheumatoid arthritis as a condition that primarily affects the joints, but it can affect virtually any organ, including a person’s skin, eyes, lungs, and heart.
Betty Hsiao, MD, Yale Medicine rheumatologist
Dr. Hsiao emphasizes the importance of early and extensive treatment. Treatment is vital so that people can maintain their mobility and their function by controlling inflammation-not only in their joints but also systemically so other organs are not affected.
Treatment Advances and Management Strategies
While there is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, significant progress has been made in managing the disease. Rheumatologists now have various medication options to slow or prevent it’s progression.
did You Know?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues.
- DMARDs: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have long been a standard treatment. These drugs suppress the body’s immune system to prevent inflammation,slowing the disease’s progression and reducing symptoms.
- JAK Inhibitors: Newer FDA-approved DMARDs, known as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, target specific proteins in the body that lead to inflammation. These oral medications are highly effective in slowing the damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Comprehensive Management: A Holistic Approach
Beyond medication,a comprehensive approach to managing rheumatoid arthritis is now recommended. The American College of Rheumatology issued its first set of guidelines in 2022, emphasizing the importance of exercise, rehabilitation, and diet alongside medication.
Pro Tip
Consistent engagement in exercises is strongly encouraged to manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and improve overall well-being.
The guidelines strongly encourage consistent engagement in exercises
and conditionally recommend other interventions,including physical therapy.
