Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Over time, RA can lead to joint damage and deformity. The condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, particularly the synovium—the lining of the membranes that surround the joints.
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Mechanism of Injury:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks its own joint tissues. The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to the development and progression of RA:
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Genetics: Certain genetic markers are associated with an increased risk of developing RA.
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Environmental Triggers: Infections or exposure to certain environmental factors, such as smoking, may trigger the onset of RA in genetically predisposed individuals.
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Autoimmune Response: The immune system mistakenly targets the synovium, leading to inflammation. This chronic inflammation thickens the synovium, which can eventually destroy the cartilage and bone within the joint.
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Joint Degradation: As the disease progresses, the affected joints can become deformed and lose function due to the erosion of cartilage and bone, along with the weakening of ligaments and tendons around the joints.
Symptoms
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Joint Pain and Stiffness: Persistent pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, affecting the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet initially.
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Swelling: Swollen, warm, and tender joints due to inflammation.
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Fatigue: Chronic fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell, often accompanied by low-grade fever.
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Symmetrical Joint Involvement: RA typically affects joints on both sides of the body equally, such as both wrists or both knees.
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Joint Deformities: Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to joint deformities and loss of function.
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Nodules: Firm lumps under the skin, known as rheumatoid nodules, may develop near affected joints.
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Systemic Symptoms: RA can affect other organs, leading to symptoms like dry eyes, chest pain, or shortness of breath if the heart or lungs are involved.
Treatment
Medication:
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Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Medications like methotrexate slow disease progression and prevent joint damage.
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Biologics: Targeted therapies that block specific pathways of the immune system involved in inflammation.
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NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation.
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Corticosteroids: Used to control severe inflammation and pain, usually in short-term treatment.
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Physical Therapy:
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Joint Protection Techniques: Education on how to use joints in ways that minimise stress, often using assistive devices.
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Exercise: Low-impact exercises to maintain joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall fitness.
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Range of Motion Exercises: To keep joints flexible and reduce stiffness.
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Heat and Cold Therapy: Heat can relax muscles and improve circulation, while cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs painful areas.
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Lifestyle Modifications:
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Healthy Diet: A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables.
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Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking to reduce the risk of disease progression.
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Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on weight-bearing joints.
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In-Clinic Treatments:
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Dry Needling: Used to relieve muscle tension and reduce pain in surrounding tissues.
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Ultrasound Therapy: Applied to reduce inflammation and improve circulation around affected joints.
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Cupping Therapy: To increase blood flow and relieve muscle stiffness associated with RA.
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Massage Therapy: Focused on reducing muscle tension, improving circulation, and alleviating pain around affected joints.
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Rehabilitation Plan: Tailored exercise and therapy plans to maintain joint function, improve strength, and reduce symptoms over time.