Treatment of arthritis is possible now
Arthritis or joints diseases are very common problem in our society. Arthritis is a broad term that describes inflammation of the joints, with swelling, redness and pain. Various types of arthritis involve not only joints but it can affect any organ of our body. Group of arthritis includes Rheumatoid arthritis (most common), SLE, systemic sclerosis, sarcoidosis and many more.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the most common type of arthritis triggered by the immune system. RA is a particular type of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation of joints on both sides of the body (for example, both wrists, both knees, etc.). Though joints are the principal body parts affected by RA, inflammation can develop in other organs as well. It affects about 1 in 50 people and is three times more common in women than in men. It is most common in young and middle-aged adults but can also affect children and the elderly. RA is not hereditary, but particular genes can increase one’s chance for developing the disease. Family members of RA patients are at higher risk of developing same disease. In the general population about a 1 in 100 people develop RA. However, many people who carry the gene that increases the risk of RA never develop the disease.
RA is classified as an autoimmune disease, which develops because certain cells of the immune system malfunction which attacks healthy joints. While the exact cause of RA remains unknown, exciting and rapidly advancing research is revealing the factors that are important in producing inflammation. The primary focus of the inflammation is in the synovium, which is the lining tissue of the joint. Inflammatory chemicals released by the immune cells causes swelling and damage to cartilage and bone. This research is giving us a better understanding of the immune and genetic factors that may be involved in the disease. As a result of this work, new medications have been developed that specifically block certain signals in the body from the immune system that are important in causing RA symptoms and joint damage.
Once the disease begins the joints become inflamed and, if untreated, the joints, cartilage, and bone can be damaged. The most common symptoms of RA are pain stiffness (especially in the mornings), warmth, redness, and swelling and tenderness in the affected joints. The most common joints involved are the hands, wrists and feet. The stiffness seen in active RA is typically worst in the morning and may last anywhere from one to two hours to the entire day .Other symptoms include fatigue. Anemia, weight loss, and low-grade fever may also be present. The symptoms usually develop gradually over months, but sometimes it starts more suddenly.
A doctor can diagnose the disease by talking, examining the person and with the help of few investigations. Blood tests commonly performed include hematocrit, a test called Rheumatoid Factor, or a new antibody test called the anti- CCP test. These are present in the majority of patients with RA, but may be found in people without RA, too. X-Rays may be performed to see if there are typical small holes into the bones, called erosions, and other damage to the joints.
A rheumatologist is an expert in this disease and should be consulted early in the course of the illness. Therapies used by the rheumatologist can slow and in some cases stop the disease.
Medications are frequently prescribed by the rheumatologist include analgesics, which are used for pain-relief; anti-inflammatory drugs, which can ease pain and stiffness; and corticosteroids, which are potent medications and can lead to short term reduction in swelling. Other medications, known as disease-modifying drugs, can not only ease the pain and discomfort, but also prevent further loss of joint tissues and/or function. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and surgery are useful in selected patients. Finally, there have been exceptional advances in the treatment of this disease, so it is important that a patient see a rheumatologist at the start of the disease and those effective therapies are started before damage is done. Current treatments offer most patients good to excellent relief of symptoms and the ability to continue to function at or near normal levels.
Many different dietary manipulations have been tried, but the majority remains unproven. An exception to this may be diets rich in fish oil, which can cause a decrease in symptoms. Patients who are overweight or obese should be encouraged to lose weight as added weight stresses joints and increases the risk of other health problems that are more common in patients with RA, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
For more knowledge about arthritis Patients should be encouraged to seek information about this not only from their health care professionals but also from patient education programs. Information regarding these type of diseases also available on internet by organizations such as the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org ), as well as the professional society of rheumatologists - the American College of Rheumatology (www.rheumatology.org ). They provide valuable information regarding learning skills for managing and chronic illness, strategies for preserving joint function, enhancing social support, and the training in bio-feedback and cognitive-behavioral techniques.
The optimal treatment of RA often requires more than medication alone. Proper treatment requires comprehensive, coordinated care, patient education and the expertise of a number of providers, including rheumatologists, primary care physicians, and physical and occupational therapists.
Due to lack of awareness people use desi medicines which sometime cause adverse effects to body. In CMC every Thursday special rheumatology clinic is running by Dr Jasbir dhanoa and Dr Chanchal Gera who has done special training in rheumatology.