Does rheumatoid arthritis hurt?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 02, 2024
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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 Jing
Rheumatology
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Can people with rheumatoid arthritis have children?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting multiple joints throughout the body and cannot be completely cured. Research by experts has linked it to genetic and environmental factors. Therefore, patients with rheumatoid arthritis can have children, but this depends on whether their condition is in a stable phase. If the condition is active and medication is being used, then it is not advisable to become pregnant at this time. Decisions about having children should be made in consultation with your specialist, or your primary care physician, under their guidance and advice. Firstly, the condition should be stable and the medication reduced to the minimum. Additionally, during pregnancy, it is essential to monitor the side effects of the medication.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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What medicine is taken for rheumatoid arthritis?

The medication for rheumatoid arthritis mainly falls into three categories, The first category is the choice of anti-inflammatory and pain relief medications, which mainly includes two types: non-steroidal analgesics and low doses of corticosteroids. If the patient's pain symptoms are mild, non-steroidal analgesics can be opted for. However, if the patient's pain symptoms are more severe, and there is significant liver or kidney damage, or concurrent interstitial lung disease, then the use of low doses of corticosteroids should be considered. The second and most important category is the choice of immunosuppressants, which include drugs like methotrexate and leflunomide. The third category is the treatment with biologic agents. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a doctor)

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

Osteoarthritis is primarily a degenerative joint disease, most commonly occurring in weight-bearing joints and the distal joints of both hands. Therefore, if there is pain in the distal joints of the hands or in joints like the knee, it may be osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and both wrists. It is also important to distinguish that in patients with osteoarthritis, inflammation indicators such as sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and endocrine factors are usually normal. However, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, these indicators, including sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor, are abnormally elevated.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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How should rheumatoid arthritis be treated?

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis includes several aspects. First, general treatment: keep a light diet, avoid spicy and stimulant foods, ensure joints are kept warm, and avoid excessive fatigue. Second, medication treatment: during acute flare-ups, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as diclofenac sodium or etoricoxib can be used, possibly combined with low doses of corticosteroids. During stable phases, immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or leflunomide are needed. If conventional treatments are ineffective, biological agents like adalimumab or tofacitinib can be combined. Most patients can effectively control their condition after combined treatment. Third, traditional Chinese medicine: alongside Western medicine, Chinese herbal medicine such as total glucosides of paeony or tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside can be used.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid arthritis commonly occurs at what age?

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by pain in multiple joints throughout the body. The causes of the disease are not yet clear, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, infectious, and environmental factors. The main pathological basis of the disease is synovitis. It commonly occurs in individuals aged between 35 and 50, and is more prevalent in females, with a significantly higher incidence rate in women than in men. Additionally, this disease can lead to disability and loss of work capacity. Therefore, early diagnosis and standard treatment are crucial. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage should be gradually reduced to maintain the disease in a stable state.