Ra

Exercise. You can strengthen muscles around your affected joints with gentle exercise. It also may improve your fatigue. Check with your doctor before you start a workout program. Don’t put stress on joints that are tender. Low-impact exercises to try include swimming, walking, cycling, and water aerobics.

Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

Krati Chauhan ; Jagmohan S. Jandu ; Lawrence H. Brent ; Mohammed A. Al-Dhahir .

Authors

Krati Chauhan 1 ; Jagmohan S. Jandu 2 ; Lawrence H. Brent 3 ; Mohammed A. Al-Dhahir 4 .

Affiliations

1 Southern Illinois University
2 University of Nevada Reno, School of Medicine
3 Temple University
4 Strong Memorial Hospital/ University of Rochester / visiting physician

Last Update: May 25, 2023 .

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused in many cases by the interaction between genes and environmental factors, including tobacco, that primarily involves synovial joints. It typically starts in small peripheral joints, is usually symmetric, and progresses to involve proximal joints if left untreated. Joint inflammation over time leads to the destruction of the joint with loss of cartilage and bone erosions. RA with a symptom duration of fewer than six months is defined as early RA, and when the symptoms have been present for more than six months, it is defined as established RA. RA, if untreated, is a progressive disease with morbidity and increased mortality. This activity describes the evaluation and management of rheumatoid arthritis and reviews the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for patients with this condition.

Identify the comorbid conditions associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Summarize the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis.

Outline the use of rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in evaluating rheumatoid arthritis.

Review the importance of improving care coordination among the interprofessional team to improve outcomes for those affected with rheumatoid arthritis.

Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes symptoms in several body systems.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is chronic (ongoing). It occurs in the joints on both sides of your body, which makes it different from other types of arthritis. You may have symptoms of pain and inflammation in your:

Uncontrolled inflammation damages cartilage, which normally acts as a “shock absorber” in your joints. In time, this can deform your joints. Eventually, your bone itself erodes. This can lead to the fusion of your joint (an effort of your body to protect itself from constant irritation).

Specific cells in your immune system (your body’s infection-fighting system) aid this process. These substances are produced in your joints but also circulate and cause symptoms throughout your body. In addition to affecting your joints, rheumatoid arthritis sometimes affects other parts of your body, including your:

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Who gets rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 1.3 million people in the United States. It’s 2.5 times more common in people designated female at birth than in people designated male at birth.

What’s the age of onset for rheumatoid arthritis?

RA usually starts to develop between the ages of 30 and 60. But anyone can develop rheumatoid arthritis. In children and young adults — usually between the ages of 16 and 40 — it’s called young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA). In people who develop symptoms after they turn 60, it’s called later-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA).

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

The warning signs of RA are:

• Joint pain and swelling
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after you sit for a long time

Rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone differently. For some, joint symptoms happen gradually over several years. In others, it may come on quickly.

Some people may have rheumatoid arthritis for a short time and then go into remission, which means they don’t have symptoms.

Early rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Your joints might be tender and painful, even though you don’t see redness or swelling. The first joints affected might be smaller ones, such as where your fingers attach to your hand and your toes to your feet.

Rheumatoid arthritis rash

RA can affect your skin as well as your joints. You might get firm lesions, called nodules, on your body. Another skin symptom is called vasculitis. One symptom of RA vasculitis is pits developing in your fingernails. Vasculitis also can cause a rash that might be raised or flat. It might look like bruises. The rash doesn’t go away when you press on it. It often affects knees and lower legs.

Unusual symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

RA can affect your entire body. Beyond painful and swollen joints, you might experience:

• Fatigue
• Low-grade fever
• Dry, sensitive eyes
• Dry mouth and gum irritation or infection
• Shortness of breath
• Low red blood cell count
• Damage to your heart muscle

4 of 9 / Tests & Diagnosis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Diagnosis

RA is a problem with your immune system. If you don’t diagnose and treat it in time, it could harm your joints.

Blood Tests for RA and Other Autoimmune Conditions

Learn about arthritis blood tests and the specific markers that may indicate RA or other types of arthritis.

What Is the Rheumatoid Factor Test?

Find out who should have a rheumatoid factor test and what it means if you have a positive result.

When You’re Seronegative for RA

If you’re seronegative for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you may or may not have RA. It can make it harder to get an RA diagnosis.

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© 2024 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. See additional information.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Your Heart

RA can inflame the lining around your heart (called pericarditis) or your heart muscle (called myocarditis). You probably wouldn’t notice symptoms from that. There’s a chance you could feel shortness of breath or sharp, stabbing chest pain. If you do, call your doctor. It can also raise your odds of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and stroke.

When RA gets into the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum, it can feel like you’re having a heart attack. This is known as chest wall pain.

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© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.

© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information.

Источники:

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