Imagine a scenario where the body’s immune system, usually a defender, turns against itself. This is the reality for individuals affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis. This chronic inflammatory disorder initially targets the synovium, the thin layer of the joints.
However, it can also affect other vital body parts, such as the eyes, skin, lungs, blood vessels, and heart, in addition to the joints. Research indicates that women, particularly during their middle age, are more prone to developing this disorder. Furthermore, if a family member has RA, the chances of others being affected are significantly higher.
The first signs of a Rheumatoid Arthritis hit person will show signs of painful swelling, leading to joint erosion and bone deformity. Some of the treatments for this disease include physical therapy, lifestyle changes, nutritional therapy, occupational therapy, surgery, and medication.
However, to avoid such complications, it is crucial to identify them beforehand and treat them as soon as possible. This post is a valuable resource that explores the first signs and symptoms of Rheumatic Arthritis, empowering you to take proactive steps and avoid complications that lead to physical disabilities.
What Age Group does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect?
Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis usually start developing in individuals from 30 to 60 years of age. However, today, it has even been found in children and young adults between 16 and 40 years of age. This variant of RA in the younger generation is called young-onset rheumatoid arthritis (YORA). For those developing symptoms after 60 years, that variant is called later-onset rheumatoid arthritis (LORA).
What are the Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It is a well-known fact that a healthy immune system is an antibody that fights invaders such as viruses and bacteria. However, when an auto-immune disease like RA develops, the immune system mistakes the body cells and sees them as foreign invaders, spurring out inflammatory chemicals that fight back those cells.
However, since this is a mistake on the part of the immune system, these chemicals begin attacking the synovium, the tissue layer that covers the joints and helps in the smooth functioning of it. As a result, the synovium swells, causes pain in the joint area, appears red and swallowed, and finally immobilizes it.
This is a great interrogation among researchers as they still cannot understand why people develop RA. To appease themselves, they have given the possibility that it could be the cause of certain genes in the human body that activate themselves in a certain environment, such as emotional or physical stress, bacteria or viruses, or some other external factors.
What are the Initial Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?
It’s important to note that there is no one symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis for all individuals. This variability in symptoms is a key aspect of RA, and understanding it can provide reassurance and a sense of being understood.
For some, it can show signs from the joints over some time, but for others, the signs progress rapidly. However, in common, these are a few that a top rheumatologist in Mumbai might look out for to see if the body is starting to develop RA:
- Swelling, pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the joints
- Stiffness especially, after sitting for long hours or in the morning
- Stiffness and pain in the same joints on either side of the body
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Fever
- Weakness
Conclusion
Fighting Rheumatoid Arthritis once it has developed in the human body is lifelong. However, some people do carry out their routine having this disease on them. Now that you know the symptoms, if you have any of these developing, book a consultation with Dr Chirag Patel, the best rheumatoid arthritis surgeon in Mumbai, to fight RA early!