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Rheumatoid Arthritis

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What is Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disorder is a condition whereby the body’s immune system is unable to distinguish between healthy cells and harmful ones such as bacteria and viruses. This confusion results in the immune system releasing autoantibodies, which mistakenly attack healthy and functional cells and tissues.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is one such condition that specifically attacks the joints. It is characterized by chronic inflammation and loss of function in the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis that targets specific and localized joints, RA can attack joints in various parts of the body simultaneously. However, it most commonly occurs in the fingers and wrists. Left untreated, RA can also damage the organs and other tissues that surround the affected joints.

Studies show that women are more susceptible to RA than men. Though most common in the elderly, symptoms can start manifesting in those who are of middle age.

Causes & Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint’s inner lining called the synovium, resulting in inflammation that causes the joint to go out of shape and alignment. This further leads to cartilage and bone damage.

The cause of RA is currently unknown. Doctors still don’t know what exactly causes it, but risk factors include:

Age
AgeIt commonly starts between the ages of 40 and 60.
Work Environment
EnvironmentExposure to harmful chemicals like asbestos and silica may increase the risk of getting autoimmune illnesses such as RA.
Gender
GenderWomen have a higher chance of getting RA than men.
Genetics
GeneticsThose who are related to someone who has RA has a higher chance of developing RA.
Weight
ObesityFat cells or adipose release proteins that cause inflammation throughout the body, increasing the likelihood of joint inflammation and arthritis.
Smoking
SmokingNot only does smoking increase the chances of developing RA, it also worsens its symptoms and severity.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The symptoms of RA vary from person to person. This is also true for the condition’s severity and progression. It mainly affects the joints, typically starting from those in the hands and feet, symmetrically (on both sides of the body at the same time and extent.

Symptoms that affect the joints include:

  • Pain

    It is described as being worse in the mornings upon waking up and after a period of inactivity.
  • Stiffness

    Those with RA find it difficult to bend their fingers and toes.
  • Swelling

    RA is characterized by the inflammation in the joints, which feel warm and tender to the touch.

    • These symptoms may come as flares or episodes, often appearing and disappearing unexpectedly. Other general signs include:

  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Poor appetite
  • Sweating
  • Weight loss

    • If RA is left untreated, it will progress and spread to the ankles, elbows, hips, knees, shoulders and wrists. Non-joint structures, such as the blood vessels, bone marrow, eyes, heart, kidneys, lungs, nerve tissue, salivary glands and skin, can also be affected.

    Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

    When it comes to the various types of arthritis disorders, the disease can be categorized as either inflammatory or non-inflammatory. For doctors to accurately diagnose that the person suffers from RA, a series of physical exams and diagnostic tests needs to be conducted:

  • Physical Examination

    Aside from asking the patient about his medical records and family history, the doctor will look out for swelling, pain, tenderness and limited movement in the joint. Fever and indications of rheumatoid nodules will also be checked.
  • Blood Tests

    These will help spot the presence of autoantibodies, a type of protein produced by the immune system that attacks healthy cells. Blood tests can also detect any inflammation in the joints and other organs.
  • Imaging Tests

    X-rays, CT scans and MRI are some imaging tests that can be conducted to check for joint damage and cartilage degradation.

    • As with many illnesses, it is best to catch and treat RA during its early stages in order to prevent disease progression and greater joint and organ damage. Complications arising from non-treatment include bone deformity, immobility as well as severe and irreversible damage to the bones, cartilage and muscle tendons.

    Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    Although rheumatism has no known cure, certain rheumatoid arthritis treatments can help manage it better, achieve remission and reduce risk of future complications. Combining medications with joint strengthening exercises can slow the progress of the disease, as well as reduce joint pain and inflammation.

    Medication for Rheumatoid Arthritis

    The type of medication prescribed will depend on the severity of rheumatoid arthritis. This includes:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

    NSAIDs help alleviate pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen, and stronger NSAIDs may require a prescription.
  • Steroids

    Steroids also help reduce pain and inflammation, thereby slowing joint damage at the same time. They also help regulate the autoimmune system better.
  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

    DMARDs slow the progression of RA and help protect the joints and other tissues from further, irreversible damage.
  • Biologic agents

    Biologic agents specifically target parts of the immune system that trigger inflammation in the joints and other tissues, thereby preventing further joint and tissue damage.

    • Aside from medications, therapy enables patients to manage their pain better and improve quality of life. The therapist may suggest new ways to accomplish daily tasks in a way that will minimize discomfort. Exercises will also be done to enhance the joint’s flexibility. Assistive devices may be used as well.

    Surgery

    If medications and therapy prove to be insufficient, surgery will be the next step. Surgery is mainly done to restore function to the affected joints, repair deformities and reduce pain. These procedures include:

  • Synovectomy

    This procedure involves the extraction of the swollen synovium (joint’s lining) and can be performed on the knees, elbows, wrists, fingers and hips.
  • Tendon Repair

    Inflammation and joint damage may cause tendons around your joint to loosen or rupture. This process repairs the loosened or ruptured tendons.
  • Joint Fusion or Arthrodesis

    This technique enables the realignment or stabilisation of a joint by surgically welding two connecting bones together.
  • Joint Replacement

    The surgery involves removing the damaged parts or all of the affected joint and replacing it with a metal or plastic prosthesis.

    • In recent years, clinical trials are being performed to test out new options to diagnose and treat RA more effectively.

    Our Services

    There are more than 100 different types of rheumatic disorders. Our team works together to diagnose and treat the full spectrum of these disorders, including autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid osteoarthritis and psoriatic osteoarthritis, as well as other forms of osteoarthritis, such as osteoosteoarthritis, gout and osteoarthritis. Treatments for the various conditions may include lifestyle changes, medication and surgery. A/Prof Leong will tailor each treatment plan to effectively manage the condition in each patient.

    Click on each service to find out more

  • Arthritis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
  • Sjogren's Syndrome
  • Joint Pain
  • Scleroderma, Systemic Sclerosis
  • Gout
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