Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than your joints. In some cases, it can also damage other parts such as skin, eyes, lungs, hearts and blood vessels.
RA is an autoimmune disorder, meaning it occurs when the body’s own immune system starts attacking the body’s tissues. Joint damage usually happens on both sides of the body. This is one difference between RA and osteoarthritis (OA).
Symptoms
The joint pain and inflammation occur during periods known as flares or exacerbations. They also happen during what is called remission – when the symptoms vanish completely. Although rheumatoid arthritis affects other body systems as well (as pointed out earlier), the join symptoms and signs include:
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Joint swelling
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Joint pain
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Joint stiffness
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Deformities and/or loss of joint function
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Fatigue
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Morning stiffness
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Joint stiffness
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Joint pain
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Minor joint swelling
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Fever
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Numbness and tingling
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Decrease in range of motion
As per Rheumatism Specialist doctors in Dubai, a variety of other symptoms can also be felt during the early stages:
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Dry mouth
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Weight loss
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General weakness
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Dry, itchy, or inflamed eyes
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Difficulty sleeping
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Eye discharge
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Chest pain while breathing
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Loss of appetite
Treatment options
Although there is no cure for RA, as per many clinical studies, remission is possible if the symptoms are detected early and treated with medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
Medications
Medications depend on the exact nature of RA, severity and longevity of your symptoms. According to rheumatologists in Dubai, the options are as follows:
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NSAIDs. These are Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They help in relieving pain and decrease inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs can be ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. There are other stronger options, which will be available by prescription. The side effects can be stomach infection, heart and kidney problems.
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Steroids. Doctors usually corticosteroids when they want to relieve the pain quickly. Corticosteroid medications like prednisone help in reducing inflammation and joint damage. These are given with the aim of gradually reducing their dosage over time. Side effects can be thinning of bones, weight gain and/or diabetes.
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Conventional DMARDs. They help in slowing down the progression of RA and avoid permanent damage to the joints and other tissues. Common DMARDs are methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. Common side effects, if any, can be live damage and severe lung infections.
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Biologic agents. This is a newer class of DMARDs usually paired with conventional DMARDs. These are also known as biological response modifiers and include abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, sarilumab and tocilizumab. Even these carry the risk of infections.
Therapy
Doctors at the best hospitals in Dubai might refer you to a physiotherapist who’ll teach you simple and effective exercises that’ll keep your joints flexible. He may also suggest alternate and easier ways to carry basic tasks. For example, you may be advised to pick up things with your forearms.
You may also be suggested certain assistive devices aimed at avoiding stress and joint pain, making it easier for you to carry out tasks.
Surgery
Any rheumatologist in Dubai will concur that surgery is and should always be the last resort if medications and other options haven’t proved to be effective. Any kind of surgery carries a risk of bleeding, infection and pain. Surgery can restore your joints functionality and can also reduce the pain. The available options at the best hospitals in Dubai are:
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Synovectomy. Procedure to remove the inflamed lining of the joint (synovium).
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Tendon repair. This repairs the tendons around the joint which have loosened or ruptured due to inflammation.
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Joint fusion. If joint replacement isn’t an option, joint fusion may be recommended to stabilize or realign a joint.
Total joint replacement. The damaged part of the joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis made of metal and plastic.
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Synovectomy. Procedure to remove the inflamed lining of the joint (synovium).
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Tendon repair. This repairs the tendons around the joint which have loosened or ruptured due to inflammation.
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Joint fusion. If joint replacement isn’t an option, joint fusion may be recommended to stabilize or realign a joint.
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Total joint replacement. The damaged part of the joint is removed and replaced with a prosthesis made of metal and plastic.