All The Facts And Figures About Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a debilitating, systemic disease characterized by progressive involvement of joints, particularly affecting large bones on either the sides of the body. According to Dr. Deepak Chahar, a renowned orthopedic surgeon in Delhi NCR, ‘It is nonsuppurative(not pus-forming), inflammatory destruction of joint, which results in joint damage and physical disability.

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Typical Features Seen In Rheumatoid Arthritis:

1. Morning stiffness.
2. Elevation of erythrocyte sedimentation
rate(ESR).
3. The appearance of autoantibodies that
target immunoglobulins in the serum.
4. Widespread changes i.e. bumps of
tissues under the skin on arm.
5. Tender, warm and swollen joints.
6. Fatigue, fever, and weight loss.

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What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis isunknown however it is believed to be caused by the following factors:

1. Genetic (heredity)
2. Abnormal immunity
3. An inflammatory reaction in joints and
tendon sheaths
4. Sedentary lifestyle
5. Hormones Disbalance

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Diagnosis Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diagnosis is the first step to the resolution of any disease. Dr. Deepak looks for the following findings in a suspected patient of rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Morning stiffness that lasts for at least
one hour and has been present for at least 6 weeks.
2. Swelling of 3 or more joints for at least 6 weeks.
3. Swelling of the same joints on both sides of the body.
4. Rheumatoid lumps/nodules of the skin.
5. Changes in hand x-ray are hallmarks of rheumatoid arthritis

Tests are done to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis:

1. Hematological tests
2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
3. C-reactive protein (CRP)
4. Antinuclear antibodies
5. Rheumatoid factor
6. Anti citrulline antibody, anti-cyclic
citrullinated peptide antibody.
7. Hand X-rays
8. MRI scanning

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Management And Treatment Dr. Deepak, a renowned orthopedic surgeon in Delhi NCR, maps out the treatment plan of rheumatoid arthritis as per the condition’s severity in a particular patient. The primary goals of orthopedic therapy are

1. Pain relief
2. Reduction of inflammation
3. Protection of articular structure or joint damage
4. Maintain the patient’s quality of life and ability to function.
5. Control of systemic(other parts of the body) involvement.

Dr. Deepak also stands by the following, effective non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapy for rheumatoid arthritis

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1. Rest
2. Diet
3. Occupational and physical therapy
4. Weight reduction
5. Pharmacologic therapies:
A. NSAIDs
B. Glucocorticoids
C. DMARDS
6. Combination therapy with two or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs i.e. Methotrexate + cyclosporin
7. Methotrexate + sulfasalazine and hydroxychloroquine.

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Physical And Occupational Therapy Approach

Dr. Deepak Chahar, an orthopedic surgeon in Delhi NCR, suggests physical and occupational therapy to all his patients.

1. The application of heat or cold can relieve pain or stiffness of joints.
2. Exercises can improve and maintain the range of motion of the joints.
3. Rest and splinting can help reduce joint pain and improve joint function.
4. Ultrasound can help reduce inflammation of the sheaths.
5. Finger splinting can be done to provide easy accessibility for finger movement.

Occupational therapists help affected people by making them actively participate in work and recreational activity with special attention to maintaining the proper function of the affected joints.

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Nutrition And Dietary Therapy

1. Dr. Deepak suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce rheumatoid arthritis inflammation.
2. Weight loss is also recommended for overweight and obese people to reduce stress on the inflamed joint.
3. Dr. Deepak advises avoiding foods with high cholesterol levels, as people with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of developing coronary artery disease.