Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to inflammation, pain, and progressive joint damage. Understanding the meaning of rheumatoid arthritis is important, as it is not just a joint disease but a systemic condition that can affect multiple organs.
The disease commonly affects small joints of the hands and feet but may progress to involve larger joints and other organs. Early diagnosis and appropriate rheumatoid arthritis treatment help control inflammation, prevent deformity, and preserve quality of life.
At Sarvodaya Hospital, patients receive comprehensive care from experienced rheumatoid arthritis specialists and the best rheumatologist in Delhi NCR, supported by advanced diagnostics and multidisciplinary management.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
- Joint pain, swelling, and tenderness
- Morning stiffness lasting longer than one hour
- Symmetrical joint involvement
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Reduced range of motion
- Warmth and redness over affected joints
- Joint deformity in advanced stages
Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes
- Autoimmune response attacking joint lining
- Genetic predisposition
- Hormonal influences
- Environmental triggers such as infections
- Smoking
- Obesity and lifestyle factors
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Accurate diagnosis by an experienced arthritis doctor helps confirm the presence of the disease, determine its severity, and guide timely treatment decisions. Early identification through a rheumatoid arthritis test allows appropriate medical intervention, reduces the risk of complications, and supports better long-term outcomes through personalised and well-planned care.
- Clinical Examination: Clinical examination evaluates joint swelling, tenderness, stiffness, symmetry of involvement, and functional limitation to assess disease activity.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Blood Test: Blood tests detect inflammatory markers and autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies, supporting diagnosis.
- Inflammatory Markers (ESR, CRP): These tests measure systemic inflammation levels and help monitor disease activity and treatment response.
- Imaging Tests (X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI): Imaging helps identify joint erosion, cartilage damage, synovial inflammation, and disease progression.
Treatment Options & Technology for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment aims to control inflammation, reduce pain and stiffness, slow disease progression, and prevent joint damage through medications, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and regular medical monitoring to maintain mobility and improve overall quality of life.
- Medications: Rheumatoid arthritis medication includes anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents.
- Medication Optimisation: Treatment plans are regularly adjusted to maximise disease control while minimising side effects.
- Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy helps maintain joint mobility, muscle strength, and daily function.
- Lifestyle & Supportive Care: Weight management, joint protection strategies, and patient education support long-term disease control.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Surgery: Surgical intervention may be recommended in advanced cases to repair or replace severely damaged joints.
Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Quit Smoking: Avoiding smoking helps reduce disease severity and improves response to treatment.
- Maintain a Healthy Body Weight: Weight management lowers stress on joints and reduces inflammation.
- Engage in Regular Low-Impact Exercise: Gentle activities improve joint flexibility, strength, and mobility.
- Follow a Balanced, Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Proper nutrition supports immune health and helps control inflammation.
- Manage Stress Effectively: Stress reduction supports symptom control and overall well-being.
- Attend Regular Rheumatology Follow-ups: Ongoing medical reviews ensure optimal disease management and timely treatment adjustments.
Pre–Post Treatment Lifestyle Modifications for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pre-Treatment- Early consultation with a rheumatologist
- Baseline blood tests and imaging
- Medication and lifestyle assessment
- Patient education and counselling
- Strict medication adherence
- Regular physiotherapy and joint exercises
- Monitoring for flare-ups and side effects
- Lifestyle modification to protect joint health
- Scheduled follow-ups
