Rheumatoid arthritis is what's going on?

Written by Chen Hui

Orthopedic Surgery

Updated on September 25, 2024

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic disease of unknown etiology characterized primarily by inflammatory synovitis. Its main features are aggressive joint inflammation that symmetrically affects multiple small joints of the hands and feet. It often accompanies involvement of extra-articular organs and a positive rheumatoid factor in serum. It can ultimately lead to joint deformity and loss of function. The onset of the disease may be related to genetic, infectious, and hormonal factors.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

1min 4sec

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How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis mainly falls into three categories: The first category includes anti-inflammatory and pain-relief medications, which are further divided into non-steroidal pain-relief drugs and low-dose corticosteroids. For rheumatoid arthritis, the most crucial treatment involves the choice of the second category: slow-acting drugs. Common drugs used in treating the key aspects of rheumatoid arthritis include immunosuppressants such as methotrexate and leflunomide. If the patient does not respond well to the above two conventional treatments, a third option that can be considered is treatment with biological agents. Commonly used biological agents include tumor necrosis factor antagonists. Before using biological agents, it is necessary to strictly rule out hepatitis, tuberculosis, and neoplastic diseases. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor)

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Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

56sec

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How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

Firstly, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple joints throughout the body and has an unclear etiology, meaning it cannot be cured. It can only be managed with medications to control the progression of the disease, alleviate symptoms, and delay the appearance of joint deformities. Therefore, it is essential to undergo standardized and formal treatment. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage of the medication should gradually be reduced to maintain stability. Do not believe in folk remedies or rumors that claim this disease can be cured; it cannot be cured. During the treatment process, it is important to regularly monitor complete blood counts, liver and kidney functions, electrolytes, and other relevant indicators to avoid damage to liver and kidney functions due to long-term use of medications.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng

Rheumatology

58sec

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Is rheumatoid arthritis serious?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, if treated reasonably and formally, can achieve clinical remission, so in this sense, rheumatoid arthritis is not severe. However, if patients do not adhere to formal treatment for a long time, after a long period, they may develop joint deformities and ankylosis, resulting in disability. From this perspective, rheumatoid arthritis should be taken seriously. Commonly used drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis include anti-inflammatory pain relievers, with non-steroidal pain relievers being the most commonly used, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. The most important step in treating rheumatoid arthritis is the selection of immunosuppressants, with common immunosuppressants including methotrexate and leflunomide. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific circumstances.)

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Written by Li Jing

Rheumatology

50sec

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Does rheumatoid arthritis hurt?

Rheumatoid arthritis damages joints and bones, displaying as symmetrical polyarthritis. It is an autoimmune disease and a chronic condition that cannot be cured but can only be managed through medication to control disease progression. The primary symptoms include symmetrical pain and swelling in multiple joints, particularly in both wrists, therefore it is invariably associated with pain. Some individuals may also experience joint swelling accompanied by morning stiffness, fatigue, low fever, and weight loss. The onset of the disease is generally slow, although a few cases may have a sudden onset. It can also affect specific joints, such as the cervical spine, shoulder joints, and hip joints.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

1min 36sec

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The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

In everyday life, many patients confuse osteoarthritis with rheumatoid arthritis, but these two diseases are indeed very distinct. Generally speaking, osteoarthritis is mostly caused by hyperplastic arthritis due to trauma or, in some cases, osteoarthritis resulting from overuse, The characteristic of osteoarthritic pain is that it is related to activity. The more a joint affected by arthritis moves, and the greater the overuse, the more severe the pain becomes. When resting, the pain in that joint will decrease, However, rheumatoid arthritis is different and has clear distinctions from osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects the small joints of the limbs, usually occurs symmetrically, and rarely affects only one limb. Once it occurs, it generally affects other parts too, appearing in both hands or both feet. These small joints are usually the first to be affected, with symptoms presenting symmetrically, and there is significant morning stiffness; that is, joints are stiff in the morning, Furthermore, rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain at rest or pain during inactivity, and nocturnal pain does not necessarily correlate with activity. Sometimes, pain may intensify after rest or during the night, and sometimes, physical activity may actually alleviate the pain. Thus, this symptom is a primary distinguishing feature from osteoarthritis. Understanding these points, the differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can basically be mastered.