Does rheumatoid arthritis cause fever?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as an autoimmune disease, primarily characterized by swelling and pain in multiple joints, particularly in the wrists or ankles. It also causes morning stiffness, and may be accompanied by fatigue, low fever, muscle soreness, and even weight loss. The onset of the disease is generally gradual for most people, and symptoms can vary significantly from one individual to another. A minority of patients may experience a rapid onset of symptoms, developing joint problems within days or weeks. Therefore, during the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, patients may experience a mild or moderate fever. However, it is important to differentiate whether this fever is due to an infection or the activity of the disease itself. This can be determined through regular blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, and related symptoms.

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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The difference between arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

The difference between arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is significant. Arthritis is a degenerative lesion caused by factors such as obesity, overuse, and trauma, which lead to the degeneration of joint cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by acute or chronic inflammation of the connective tissue, commonly referred to as rheumatic fever. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by migratory pain, redness and swelling in the joints and muscles. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not yet definite in clinical practice, and the treatments are different. Osteoarthritis mainly results from cartilage degeneration and can be managed with conservative treatment in its early stages, while surgery might be required in the later stages. The treatment for rheumatoid arthritis primarily relies on medications to alleviate symptoms, and this condition may eventually lead to significant deformities of the hands and feet. Therefore, the differences between these two diseases are considerable.

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

First, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and a chronic condition that cannot be cured. The primary goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, delay complications, improve quality of life, and reduce disability through conventional drug therapies. Treatment methods include general treatment and medication. General treatment consists of functional exercise and lifestyle considerations, such as avoiding cold water and raw, cold foods, and emphasizing the importance of exercise. Additionally, the first-line drug treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), with traditional DMARDs being the current preferred and anchor treatment option.

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Rheumatology
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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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Orthopedics
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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.