How do I know if I have Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, and it is a prevalent disease that is popular worldwide. But the cure is possible if you have the guidance and assistance of the best orthopedic doctor in baner. Also, occupational and physiotherapy is another treatment that will be a lifesaver for the patient. This treatment can only be effective when you are diagnosed early in an alarming situation.

In this blog, we have discussed the symptoms, causes, and early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. This guide will be a great help for the patient, and you will prevent your life from being put at risk.

Alarming situation of arthritis 

 

What is Rheumatoid arthritis? 

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is also considered a type of arthritis, and it is an autoimmune disorder. In this issue, the immune system unknowingly attacks parts of the body, and this process weakens the foundational bones of the body. This is a chronic health issue that can occur in people of any age. In this issue, the patient suffers from fever, swelling in joints and pain, joint stiffness, and loss of appetite.

The fact is that this disease is not curable, and that is why it is important to be diagnosed early before it is too late. For orthopedic doctors, this is a challenge, but they have multiple alternative treatment methods to cure this bone health issue if diagnosed early.

What are the main causes of rheumatoid arthritis?

As per the orthopedic doctors, the exact main causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not predictable and are still under research. But in the majority of cases, when it comes to the doctor, these are the main causes that patients refer to:

• Genetics 
• Hormones
• Lifestyle factors 
• Obesity 
• Previous bone-health issues like osteoarthritis
•  
• 90% of the health-related problems occur due to genetic or heredity factors. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of them.
• The fluctuation in hormones is another factor that may cause rheumatoid arthritis. Hormone fluctuation can occur due to medication, food habits, and improper sleep.
• untimely sleep, overload of work, long hours sitting in the same place, consumption of alcohol or smoke, and irregular diet
• Maintaining a healthy weight is a necessary factor in reducing health-related issues because it creates adverse effects on the bones.
• The patient who is suffering from bone health issues before, especially osteoarthritis, can also experience this issue.

What are the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis?

Here are the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis that you should not ignore:

• Joint stiffness and pain: persistent pain, swelling, and starting from small joints
• Symmetrical swelling, pain, and tenderness in the bones and joints
• Feeling lethargic all the time
• Sense of lost strength and weakness in the bones and joints
• Incompetent at performing even daily activities limits the motion.
• Pain in the bones and joints, especially during the morning
• Rheumatoid nodules are a kind of lump under the skin and generally occur around the affected parts of the body.
• Fever, loss of appetite, flu-like symptoms, and dryness or discomfort in the eyes

If you may experience these early signs, then you should consult with an orthopedic doctor to cure this issue before it becomes severe.

What are the stages of rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis has the following stages, and every stage is created based on the symptoms and complications.

First stage 

During the first stage, the patient will experience the following symptoms or complications:

• Pain in smaller bones or joints like fingers, wrists, and toes
• Mild joint pain and stiffness
• Fatigue 

Moderate stage

In the moderate stage, the patient may have the following issues:

• Frequent joint inflammation

• Morning stiffness in joints

• Swelling, warmth, and tenderness

• Joint erosion or narrow space of joint

Severe Stage

In the severe stage, here are the following signs or symptoms that occur:

• Joint damage or loss of function

• Chronic inflammation in joints

• Loss of mobility function in joints

• Rheumatoid nodules in the skin

• Persistent pain 

End stage 

This is an advanced rheumatoid arthritis stage, and the following symptoms occur in the patient:

• Extreme joint pain

• Lose mobility

• Use of assistive devices for motion, like wheelchairs and walkers

• Long-term inflammation

• Damage to bones, like osteoporosis

In the last stage, the patient is incompetent to walk, move, or run and can’t even perform daily activities. This is a severe stage and affects the quality of life of the patient, putting every task to a halt.

At what age does rheumatoid arthritis start?

Rheumatoid arthritis generally occurs in middle age and may also happen in childhood. There are two categories of rheumatoid arthritis based on age: YORA means young-onset rheumatoid arthritis, and LORA means long-onset rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor suggests this arthritis occurs between 30 and 60 years of age. That is why it is recommended to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent bone-related issues at such an early age.

What should you do when you are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis?

If you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, then here are the steps that you should take:

• Consult with a doctor

The foremost thing that you need to do is consult with an expert orthopaedic doctor and take the necessary steps to put a halt to rheumatoid arthritis. Every expert doctor knows how to deal with the situation for a patient of every particular age and symptom.

• Make recommended changes to your lifestyle

Lifestyle is a major factor that increases health-related issues. Certain lifestyle factors, like eating habits and daily task-related activities, need to be changed. Take consultation calls with the expert nutritionist and follow their advice sincerely.

• Go for medical tests 

The medical test helps to get detailed insight into the actual bone health situation. In every stage, these tests play an important role in taking the necessary steps. X-rays, blood tests, ultrasounds, MRIs, and BMD test in pune.

• Take symptoms seriously

For every patient, every minor sign is a signal of a major health risk. That is why you should inform your orthopedic patient of any experienced symptoms.

• Attend all physiotherapy appointments

In this issue, physiotherapy is an effective treatment for the patient. This can be a lifesaver, so you shouldn’t skip any physiotherapy sessions. Joint mobility, pain management, posture mechanics, functional and strength training, and prevent any kind of disability in patients.

Final thoughts!

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation disorder that affects well-being. For patients, it is necessary to stay informed and educated about this health issue. Lifestyle habits, past bone health issues, and obesity are the major causes of rheumatoid arthritis. But with the assistance of an expert orthopedic doctor in Pune, you can prevent yourself from reaching this severe stage. So if you are someone who is suffering from this type of arthritis, then Dr. Sumitz is the best orthopedic clinic in Pune to connect with.