Rheumatoid arthritis affected areas

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on May 14, 2025
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Clinically, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as rheumatic fever. It primarily affects the large peripheral joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle joints, with these being the main areas of affliction. The pain often migrates and has a certain self-limiting nature, generally improving on its own in about two weeks. Additionally, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the heart, with some patients experiencing palpitations and shortness of breath after activity, as well as discomfort in the precordial area. Rheumatoid arthritis may also present with symptoms like ring-shaped erythema on the skin. These are the common sites of affliction for rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How long does it take to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

The symptoms of rheumatic arthritis, such as joint swelling and pain, generally improve on their own within about two weeks, with the longest duration not exceeding one month. However, since rheumatic arthritis is triggered by a Streptococcus infection, if the Streptococcus infection is not actively controlled, it is easy for the arthritis to relapse after the joint pain has improved. Therefore, for patients with rheumatic arthritis, it is essential to treat the Streptococcus infection early. Treatment with second-generation cephalosporin antibiotics for 10-14 days is recommended, followed by regular long-acting benzathine penicillin treatment at outpatient clinics to achieve a complete cure of rheumatic arthritis. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Treatment of Acute Flare-ups of Rheumatoid Arthritis

During the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, typical treatment includes absolute bed rest and avoiding intense physical activities, followed by a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamins. Medication-wise, sodium diclofenac or meloxicam are used, which are non-steroidal drugs that relieve joint pain. If these drugs are not effective, steroids such as methylprednisolone are administered, initially at doses of 20 mg or 40 mg, until the pain eases, then gradually reducing the steroid dosage. During steroid treatment, it's also important to prevent side effects, namely, by supplementing with calcium and incorporating drugs that protect the stomach lining. (The above medications should be used under medical supervision.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Is hot compress useful for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis during the acute flare-up phase makes heat application useless; it might even exacerbate the symptoms of joint pain. Normally in daily life, applying heat to the affected joints can assist in treatment. However, during the acute flare-up phase of rheumatoid arthritis, the main symptoms are migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs. Cold application may help alleviate the pain, but heat should definitely not be applied during the acute phase. The development of rheumatoid arthritis is somewhat related to streptococcal infections. Therefore, penicillin antibiotics are generally used for anti-infection treatment. During the acute phase, it is common to also use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as etoricoxib or meloxicam, to relieve symptoms.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to completely cure without medication, as it is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that requires lifelong medication. The main treatment plans include the following three categories: The first category is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, which includes non-steroidal analgesics and low-dose corticosteroids. The second category, which is also the most important treatment, involves the use of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. If the patient does not respond well to anti-inflammatory analgesics and immunosuppressants, treatment with biological agents may also be considered. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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The difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is a reactive joint pain that occurs after a streptococcal infection. In addition to joint pain, common symptoms include mitral valve stenosis in some patients, skin erythema, and some patients may also exhibit symptoms such as chorea. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often show symmetrical swelling and pain in the joints of both hands. Blood tests reveal significantly elevated levels of rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and AK antibodies. Inflammatory indicators such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein also tend to be significantly elevated. The main difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that rheumatic arthritis can involve cardiac and skin pathologies, while rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifests as joint-related pathologies.