Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis With Treatment Plans & Lifestyle Changes

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease that mostly
affects joints. RA occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the
body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. The disease causes pain,
swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in joints.

Additional features of rheumatoid arthritis can include the following:

1. It affects the lining of the joints, which damages the tissue that covers the ends
   of the bones in a joint.
2. RA often occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand has the
   condition, the other hand or knee is often also affected.
   
3. It can affect the joints in the wrists, hands, elbows, shoulders, feet,
   spine, knees, and jaw.
   
4. RA may cause fatigue, occasional fevers, and a loss of appetite.
   
5. RA may cause medical problems outside of the joints, in areas such as the heart,
   lungs, blood, nerves, eyes, and skin.

Fortunately, current treatments can help people with the disease to lead productive lives.

What happens in rheumatoid arthritis?

Doctors do not know why the immune system attacks joint tissues.
However, they do know that when a series of events occurs, rheumatoid arthritis can develop.
This series of events includes:

1. A combination of genes and exposure to environmental factors starts the development
   of RA.
2. The immune system may be activated years before symptoms appear.
   
3. The start of the autoimmune process may happen in other areas of the body,
   but the impact of the immune malfunction typically settles in the joints.
   
4. Immune cells cause inflammation in the inner lining of the joint, called the synovium.
5. This inflammation becomes chronic, and the synovium thickens due to an increase of cells, production of proteins, and other factors in the joint, which can lead to pain, redness, and warmth.
   
6. As RA progresses, the thickened and inflamed synovium pushes further into the joint and destroys the cartilage and bone within the joint.
   
7. As the joint capsule stretches, the forces cause changes within the joint structure.
   
8. The surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support and stabilize the joint become weak over time and do not work as well. This can lead to more pain and joint damage, and problems using the affected joint.

Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?

You are more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis if you have certain risk factors. These include:

1. Age The disease can happen at any age; however, the risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis increases with older age. Children and younger teenagers may be diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, a condition related to rheumatoid arthritis.
   
2. Sex Rheumatoid arthritis is more common among women than men. About two to three times as many women as men have the disease. Researchers think that reproductive and hormonal factors may play a role in the development of the disease for some women.
   
3. Family history and genetics If a family member has RA, you may be more likely to develop the disease. There are several genetic factors that slightly increase the risk of getting RA.
   
4. Smoking Research shows that people who smoke over a long period of time are at an increased risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis. For people who continue to smoke, the disease may be more severe.
   
5. Obesity Some research shows that being obese may increase your risk for the disease as well as limit how much the disease can be improved.
   
6. Periodontitis Gum disease may be associated with developing RA.
   
7. Lung diseases Diseases of the lungs and airways may also be associated with developing RA.
   

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:

RA affects people differently. In some people, RA starts with mild or moderate inflammation affecting just a few joints. However, if it is not treated or the treatments are not working, RA can worsen and affect more joints. This can lead to more damage and disability.

At times, RA symptoms worsen in “flares” due to a trigger such as stress, environmental factors (such as cigarette smoke or viral infections), too much activity, or suddenly stopping medications. In some cases, there may be no clear cause.
The goal of treatment is to control the disease so it is in remission or near remission, with no signs or symptoms of the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause other medical problems, such as:

1. Joint pain at rest and when moving, along with tenderness, swelling, and warmth of the joint.
   
2. Joint stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes, typically after waking in the morning or after resting for a long period of time.
   
3. Joint swelling that may interfere with daily activities, such as difficulty making a fist, combing hair, buttoning clothes, or bending knees.
   
4. Fatigue – feeling unusually tired or having low energy.
   
5. Occasional low-grade fever.
   
6. Loss of appetite.

Rheumatoid arthritis can happen in any joint; however, it is more common in the wrists, hands, and feet. The symptoms often happen on both sides of the body, in a symmetrical pattern. For example, if you have RA in the right hand, you may also have it in the left hand.

RA affects people differently. In some people, RA starts with mild or moderate inflammation affecting just a few joints. However, if it is not treated or the treatments are not working, RA can worsen and affect more joints. This can lead to more damage and disability.

At times, RA symptoms worsen in “flares” due to a trigger such as stress, environmental factors (such as cigarette smoke or viral infections), too much activity, or suddenly stopping medications. In some cases, there may be no clear cause.
The goal of treatment is to control the disease so it is in remission or near remission, with no signs or symptoms of the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause other medical problems, such as:

1. Rheumatoid nodules that are firm lumps just below the skin, typically on the hands and elbows.
   
2. Anemia due to low red blood cell counts.
   
3. Neck pain.
   
4. Dry eyes and mouth.
   
5. Inflammation of the blood vessels, the lung tissue, airways, the lining of the lungs, or the sac enclosing the heart.
   
6. Lung disease, characterized by scarring and inflammation of the lungs that can be severe in some people with RA.
   

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Researchers do not know what causes the immune system to turn against the body’s joints and other tissues. Studies show that a combination of the following factors may lead to the disease:

1. Genes Certain genes that affect how the immune system works may lead to rheumatoid arthritis. However, some people who have these genes never develop the disease. This suggests that genes are not the only factor in the development of RA. In addition, more than one gene may determine who gets the disease and how severe it will become.
   
2. Environment Researchers continue to study how environmental factors such as cigarette smoke may trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people who have specific genes that also increase their risk. In addition, some factors such as inhalants, bacteria, viruses, gum disease, and lung disease may play a role in the development of RA.
   
3. Sex hormones Researchers think that sex hormones may play a role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis when genetic and environmental factors also are involved. Studies show:

1. Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
2. The disease may improve during pregnancy and flare after pregnancy.

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Doctors diagnose RA by:

1. Taking a medical history.
   
2. Performing a physical exam.
3. Ordering laboratory tests.
4. Ordering imaging studies, such as x-rays or ultrasound.
   

It can be difficult to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis when it is in the early stages because:

1. The disease develops over time, and only a few symptoms may be present in the early stages.
2. There is no single test for the disease.
   
3. Symptoms differ from person to person.
   
4. Symptoms can be similar to those of other types of arthritis and joint conditions.
   

As a result, doctors use a variety of tools to diagnose the disease and to rule out other conditions.

Medical History

Remember to let your doctor know:

1. About your symptoms, when and how they started, and how they have changed over time.
   
2. What limitations in activities you may have, such as difficulty with work, leisure, or activities around the house.
   
3. About your other medical problems.
   
4. If you have any family members with similar symptoms or if any family members have rheumatoid arthritis.
   
5. What medications you take.
   

Answers to these questions can help your doctor make a diagnosis and understand the impact the disease has on your life.

Physical Examination

The doctor usually performs a physical exam that may include:

1. Examining your joints.
   
2. Watching how you walk, bend, and carry out activities of daily living.

3. Looking for a rash or nodules on your skin.

4. Listening to your chest for signs of inflammation in the lungs.

Laboratory Tests

Lab tests may help to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Some common tests include:

1. Rheumatoid factor (RF) This blood test checks for RF, an antibody that many people with rheumatoid arthritis can eventually have in their blood. An antibody is a special protein made by the immune system that normally helps fight invaders in the body. Not all people with RA test positive for RF; some people test positive for RF but never develop the disease; and some people test positive but have another disease. However, doctors can use this test, along with other test results and evaluations, to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
   
2. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) This blood test checks for anti-CCP antibodies, which appear in many people with rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, anti-CCP can appear before RA symptoms develop, which can help doctors diagnose the disease early. This test’s results, along with the results from RF blood tests, are very useful in confirming a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. However, it is important to know that some people have rheumatoid arthritis even with normal blood tests.
   
3. Complete blood count This blood test measures different blood cell counts and can help diagnose anemia, which is common in people with RA.
4. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (often called the sed rate) This test measures inflammation in the body and monitors disease activity and response to treatments.
5. C-reactive proteinThis is another common test for inflammation that can help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis and monitor disease activity and response to treatments.
6. Other blood tests. Your doctor may also use other tests to check your kidney function, electrolytes, liver function, thyroid function, muscle markers, other autoimmune markers, and markers of infection to evaluate for your overall health and evaluate for other diagnoses. Other specific tests for rheumatoid arthritis, are sometimes considered.

Imaging Tests

To check for joint damage, doctors may use imaging tests such as:

1. X-rays help check for RA; however, they are not generally abnormal in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, before joint damage occurs. Doctors may use x-rays to monitor the progression of the disease or to rule out other causes for the joint pain.
2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound may help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis in the early stages of the disease. In addition, these imaging tests can help evaluate the amount of damage in the joints and the severity of the disease.
   
3. Other imaging tests sometimes considered for rheumatoid arthritis include computed tomography (CT) scanning, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, bone scan, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA).
   

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis continues to improve, which can give many people relief from symptoms, improving their quality of life. Doctors may use the following options to treat RA:

1. Medications.
   
2. Physical therapy and occupational therapy.
3. Surgery.
4. Routine monitoring and ongoing care.
   
5. Complementary therapies.
   

Your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments, which may change over time based on your symptoms and the severity of your disease. No matter which treatment plan your doctor recommends, the overall goals are to help:

1. Relieve pain.
2. Decrease inflammation and swelling.
   
3. Prevent, slow, or stop joint and organ damage.
   
4. Improve your ability to participate in daily activities.
   

Rheumatoid arthritis may start causing joint damage during the first year or two that a person has the disease. . Once joint damage occurs, it is generally cannot be reversed, so early diagnosis and treatment are very important.

Medications

Most people who have RA take medications. Studies show that early treatment with combinations of medications, instead of one medication alone, may be more effective in decreasing or preventing joint damage.

Many of the medications that doctors prescribe to treat RA help decrease inflammation and pain, and slow or stop joint damage. They may include:

1. Anti-inflammatory medications to provide pain relief and lower inflammation.
2. Corticosteroids that can help decrease inflammation, provide some pain relief, and slow joint damage. Because they are potent drugs and have potential side effects, your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to achieve the desired benefit.
   
3. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that can help to slow or change the progression of the disease.
   
4. Biologic response modifiers, which are also DMARDs, if your disease does not respond to initial therapies. These medications target specific immune messages and interrupt the signal, helping to decrease or stop inflammation.
   
5. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which are also DMARDs, send messages to specific cells to stop inflammation from inside the cell. These medications may also be considered if your disease does not respond to initial therapies.
   

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Your doctor may recommend physical therapy and occupational therapy. Physical therapy can help you regain and maintain overall strength and target specific joints that bother you. Occupational therapy can help develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Sometimes, assistive devices or braces may be helpful to optimize movement, reduce pain, and help you maintain the ability to work.

Surgery

Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have permanent damage or pain that limits your ability to perform day-to-day activities. Surgery is not for everyone. You and your doctor can discuss the options and choose what is right for you.

Your doctor will consider the following before recommending surgery:

1. Your overall health.
   
2. The condition of the affected joint or tendon.
   
3. The risks and benefits of the surgery.

Types of surgery may include joint repairs and joint replacements.

Routine Monitoring and Ongoing Care

Regular medical care is important because your doctor can:

1. Monitor how the disease is progressing.
   
2. Determine how well the medications are working.
   
3. Talk to you about any side effects from the medications.
   
4. Adjust your treatment as needed.
   

Monitoring typically includes regular visits to the doctor. It also may include blood and urine tests, and x‑rays or other imaging tests. Having rheumatoid arthritis increases your risk of developing osteoporosis, particularly if you take corticosteroids.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes the bones to weaken and easily break. Talk to your doctor about your risk for the disease and the potential benefits of calcium and vitamin D supplements or other osteoporosis treatments.

Since rheumatoid arthritis can affect other organs, your doctor may also monitor you for cardiovascular or respiratory health. Many of the medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of infection. Doctors may monitor you for infections.
Vaccines may be recommended to lower the risk and severity of infections.

Who Treats Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis requires a team effort involving you and several types of health care professionals. These may include:
Rheumatologists, who specialize in autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles.

Rheumatologists are often assisted by

1. Physician assistants, who assist doctors in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring diseases.
   
2. Physical therapists, who help to improve joint function.
   
3. Occupational therapists, who teach ways to protect joints, minimize pain, perform activities of daily living, and conserve energy.
   
4. Pharmacists, who dispense medications and help check the dosing and potential for interactions with other medications.
   
5. Dietitians, who teach ways to eat a good diet to improve health and maintain a healthy weight.
   
6. Nurse educators, who specialize in helping people understand their overall condition and set up their treatment plans.
   
7. Mental health professionals and social workers, who help people cope with difficulties in the home and workplace that may result from their medical conditions.
   

Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Research shows that people who take part in their own care report less pain and make fewer doctor visits. They also enjoy a better quality of life.

Self-care can help you play a role in managing your RA and improving your health. You can:

1. Learn about rheumatoid arthritis and its treatments.
   
2. Use exercises and relaxation techniques to reduce your pain and help you stay active.
3. Communicate well with your health care team so you can have more control over your disease.
   
4. Reach out for support to help cope with the physical emotional, and mental effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
   

Participating in your care can help build confidence in your ability to perform day-to-day activities, allowing you to lead a full, active, and independent life.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain activities can help improve your ability to function on your own and maintain a positive outlook.

Rest and exercise Balance your rest and exercise, with more rest when your RA is active and more exercise when it is not. Rest helps to decrease active joint inflammation, pain, and fatigue. In general, shorter rest breaks every now and then are more helpful than long times spent in bed. Exercise is important for maintaining healthy and strong muscles, preserving joint mobility, and maintaining flexibility. Exercise can help:

1. Improve your sleep.
   
2. Decrease pain.
   
3. Keep a positive attitude.
   
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
   

Doctors may sometimes recommend low-impact exercises, such as water exercise programs. Talk to your health care providers before beginning any exercise program.

Joint care Some people find wearing a splint for a short time around a painful joint reduces pain and swelling. People use splints mostly on wrists and hands, but also on ankles and feet. Talk to your doctor or a physical or occupational therapist before wearing a splint. Other ways you can protect your joints include:

1. Using self-help devices, such as items with a large grip, zipper pullers, or long-handled shoehorns.
   
2. Using tools or devices that help with activities of daily living, such as an adaptive toothbrush or silverware.
   
3. Using devices to help you get on and off chairs, toilet seats, and beds.
   
4. Choosing activities that put less stress on your joints, such as limiting the use of the stairs or taking rest periods when walking longer distances.
   
5. Maintaining a healthy weight to help lower the stress on your joints.
   

Monitoring of symptoms It is important to monitor your symptoms for any changes or the development of new symptoms. Understanding your symptoms and how they may change can help you and your doctor manage your pain when you have a flare.

Stress management The emotions you may feel because of RA – fear, anger, and frustration, along with any pain, physical limitations, and the unpredictable nature of flares – can increase your stress level. Stress can make living with the disease more difficult. Stress also may affect the amount of pain you feel. Ways to cope with stress can include:

1. Regular rest periods.
   
2. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditating, or listening to quiet sounds or music.
   
3. Movement exercise programs, such as yoga and tai chi.
   

Mental health management Living with RA can be hard and isolating. If you feel alone, anxious, or depressed about having the disease, talk to your doctor, an RA support social worker, or mental health professional. Keep the lines of communication open. Talk to family and friends about your RA to help them understand the disease. You may find it helpful to join an online or community support group.

Healthy diet A healthy and nutritious diet that includes a balance of calories, protein, and calcium is important for maintaining overall health. Talk to your doctor about drinking alcoholic beverages because they may interact with the medications you take for rheumatoid arthritis.

Before making any changes to your diet or activity, talk to your doctor.