Rheumatoid arthritis can be painful and debilitating, but with proper management, you can still live a productive life.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a painful joint disease that affects roughly 1.3 million adults in the U.S., making it hard for these individuals to work, exercise, and carry out day-to-day tasks. It can be debilitating, resulting in lost work hours and a significant lowering of quality of life. Without intervention, the disease can progress into stages and get worse over time, which is why it’s important that this condition gets treated as soon as possible. In fact, medical intervention can slow the progression of the condition and even lead to long-term remission.
Similarly to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis causes painful, stiff joints. But there are differences between the two conditions. Knowing those differences and the stages of RA can help you get immediate and successful treatment.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. For unknown reasons, the body’s immune system attacks the joints, inflaming the membranes surrounding the joints. Eventually, the cartilage, bone, and connective tissues of the joints erode, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Although no known cause has been identified, it’s believed RA stems from genetic and environmental factors.
Osteoarthritis also causes joint swelling and pain, but the condition typically strikes one side of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is symmetrical, meaning it affects both sides of the body. With RA, the pain and stiffness tend to last for longer periods of time during the day than with osteoarthritis.
The age at which the disease strikes is another key difference. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease. As we get older, the cartilage cushioning our joints wears down, leading to bone-on-bone friction and pain. People at an advanced age are more likely to develop osteoarthritis. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is most often seen in younger people, typically women of child-bearing age. The condition, as mentioned earlier, progresses through stages, as well.
What are the four stages of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by a progression through four distinct stages, with symptoms progressively worsening. The earlier treatment is initiated, the better the disease and its symptoms can be managed.
Stage 1
At this stage, swelling, pain, and stiffness are mild and easy to dismiss as another condition. Smaller joints, such as fingers and toes, may be affected first. A feeling of fatigue and general unwellness are other symptoms.
Diagnosis and treatment: Blood tests to detect markers such as the rheumatoid factor and C-reactive protein may be performed. X-rays can also determine if there is joint damage. Treatment involves prescriptions for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow joint damage. Low-dose steroids is another treatment option.
Stage 2
As the condition advances to this stage, the pain and stiffness become more pronounced. Mobility is also affected. At this point, the body begins to produce more antibodies, such as the rheumatoid factor.
Diagnosis and treatment: Blood tests will confirm the presence of antibodies and rheumatoid makers. DMARD medications or biologic DMARDs may be prescribed, along with physical therapy, to improve range of motion.
Stage 3
The pain and inflammation progress even further. Rheumatoid nodules, or firm lumps under the skin, may appear. Mobility is severely limited. Due to inflammation of the wrist, carpal tunnel syndrome may develop.
Diagnosis and treatment: Blood tests will show antibodies and rheumatoid markers. At this point, imaging tests can also detect joint deterioration. Treatment involves DMARDs and biologics. Physical therapy may help keep joints functioning and mobile. A steroid injection in an inflamed joint may also be given.
Stage 4
Advanced joint damage may lead to deformity. Here, patients suffer from extreme pain and swelling and are unable to move freely. Chronic fatigue is another symptom of advanced RA.
Diagnosis and treatment: Blood tests will show high levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein. Imaging tests will also confirm severe joint damage. Your doctor may prescribe a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor to manage the symptoms. In rare cases, surgery to replace the joint may be recommended.
With treatment, RA can go into remission for months or even years. During remission, your doctor may lower your drug dosage. However, if you have another flare-up, you must resume taking medications.
Although there isn’t a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it is manageable, with many patients living productive lives. Working with your doctor, you can overcome your RA symptoms and greatly improve your quality of life.
Improve your quality of life
At New York Bone & Joint Specialists, we’ve worked with hundreds of RA patients to improve their quality of life. As a leading sports medicine center, we use the latest in treatment techniques to decrease your pain and increase your mobility. If you suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis, don’t wait. Contact us today for a consultation.
