Rheumatoid Arthritis - Care Guide

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that involves the muscles and the membrane linings of cartilage and joints and it is the second most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the tissues that line bone joints and cartilage. The Immune system produces antibodies that attack healthy joints, causing inflammation in the lining of the joints and pain. The repeated inflammation over time results in fibrosis (scarring) that destroys the ability of the cells to produce synovial fluid and constricts the movement of the joint. Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs throughout the body, although some joints may be more affected than others. Chronic, uncontrolled inflammation leads to damage and destruction of the cartilage and joint tissues (bones, tendons, and ligaments) and the formation of scar tissue. Rheumatoid Arthritis most commonly develops between the ages of 20 and 50, though can occur in children (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Although treatments and lifestyle strategies can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, at present there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis.

Is it Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is any condition of inflammation that affects the joints. Osteoarthritis is the form most people identify, since about 10% of Americans have osteoarthritis. Though both forms involve inflammation of the joints, the two conditions are quite different. In osteoarthritis inflammation occurs in response to damage, usually that of repeated wear and tear, within the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation occurs first as a malfunction of the immune response and causes damage to the joints. Osteoarthritis is more common in people over age 65, whereas rheumatoid arthritis usually arises before age 50. Here you can see a table comparing between Rheumatoid Arthritis vs Osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis vary from person to person, It may start gradually or as a sudden and mostly may be characterized by a generalized pain in the joints, swollen red joints, flu-like symptoms (fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite), loss of appetite, low-grade fever and weight loss. Some people have continuous symptoms and others go through periods of remission followed by flare-ups. The joint pain becomes more specific, usually beginning in the fingers, then spreading to other areas, such as the wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. As the disease progresses, joint function diminishes sharply and deformities occur, particularly the characteristic swans neck curling of the fingers. Severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis can cause red skin lumps (rheumatoid nodules) on the elbows, ears, nose, knees, toes, or scalp and deformity of the joints. Many people who have rheumatoid arthritis have a specific antibody called rheumatoid factor, though not all people who have rheumatoid arthritis have this antibody, and conversely, rheumatoid factor may be present in people who do not have rheumatoid arthritis.

Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Alternative Treatment Options for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment plays a key role in controlling the inflammation and minimizing joint damage. It usually entails a combination of drug therapy and other non-drug therapies. In some cases, rheumatoid arthritis treatment may also involve surgery. It typically blends lifestyle measures to protect affected joints from undue stress and medications to relieve inflammation and pain. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), natural treatments for rheumatoid arthritis may range from moist heat, magnets, massage to herbs, natural supplements, and relaxation remedies. Daily exercise and activity that puts each affected joint through its complete range of motion help keep scar tissue from contracting (tightening) within the synovial capsule, maintaining relative freedom of movement. Activities such as yoga and tai chi also improve flexibility, range of motion, and balance. Omega-3 fatty acids and folic acid may block steps in the inflammatory response that reduce its intensity. Stress management methods such as meditation help people to cope with the challenges of a chronic health condition.

Dietary Recommendations for Rheumatoid Arthritis

There are indications that patients with rheumatoid arthritis benefit from cutting back on meat consumption or switching entirely to a vegetarian or vegan diet. One follow-up study of rheumatoid arthritis patients on a vegetarian diet showed that improvement continued after one and two years on the diet. Another dietary adjustment that appears to benefit some people with rheumatoid arthritis is switching from cooking oils that are high in omega-6 fatty acids (which increase inflammation) to oils that are high in omega-3 fatty acids (which reduce inflammation. This second group includes olive oil, canola oil, and flaxseed oil.

Since rheumatoid arthritis characterized by inflammation, an elimination diet can help identify food allergies that could be triggering inflammation.

Foods to include:

Foods to avoid:

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Lifestyle Recommendations

• Apply hot or cold compresses to the affected joints. Both are helpful.
• Physical therapy, such as ultrasound and laser therapy, is beneficial for pain and inflammation.
• Exercise: Light activities that are not stressful on the joints, such as swimming, cycling, and stretching (yoga), help to improve joint mobility and overall health.
• Acupuncture reduces pain and stress.
• Assistive devices, such as canes, walkers, and joint supports, offer support and reduce joint strain.
• Hot paraffin baths, therapeutic mud treatments, baths with Epsom/mineral salts, and sauna can reduce pain and inflammation.
• Light massage with botanical oils (camphor, eucalyptus, pine needle or rosemary) can help reduce pain and promote relaxation.