Signs of Rheumatoid arthritis

Description

An inflammatory process that primarily affects the joints, but can also damage the eyes, and blood vessels (vascultits). The disorder causes swelling and damage to the lining of the joints (synovium) producing the joint pain and joint destruction experienced. It occurs between the ages 20 and 60 and is 3 times more common in women than men.

Symptoms

Fatigue, morning stiffness (lasting more than 1 hour), widespread muscle aches, loss of appetite, weakness, deformity of joints (primarily of the hands).

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. A specific blood test, anti-CCP antibody test, can distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. Other tests that may be helpful include: C-reactive protein, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) , rheumatoid factor test (positive in about 75% of people with symptoms), and synovial fluid analysis.

Treatment

There is no cure and therapy is directed at controlling the symptoms and slowing down the joint damage. Treatment includes: medications, physical therapy, and exercise. The medications used include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), acetaminophen (Tylenol), steroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil, the gold compound auranofin/Ridaura, sulfasalazine/Azulfidine, minocycline/Dynacin, methotrexate/Rheumatrex), immunosuppressant's (leflunomide/Arava, azathioprine/Imuran, cyclosporine/Neoral, cyclophosphamide/Cytoxan, rituximab/Rituxan), TNF-alpha inhibitors (etanercept/Enbrel, infliximab/Remicade, adalimumab/Humira), and other immune modulators. Surgery may be required for severe joint destruction. Arthritis Foundation: (800)283-7800