Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by erosive and symmetrical polyarthritis, which can involve joints of all sizes in the body. It has a long course of disease and a high disability rate. According to epidemiological surveys, there are currently about 5 million rheumatoid arthritis patients in China, of which approximately 20% develop disabilities within 1-5 years after onset.
Although the data is accurate, if early, effective, and standardized treatment is provided, the vast majority of patients' conditions can be alleviated and controlled, without affecting their normal work and life.
Therefore, when symptoms such as joint pain occur, one must be vigilant. Today, I will give you a detailed explanation of the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, in order to facilitate early detection and avoid delaying treatment, which may cause irreversible damage.
The etiology and pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis are extremely complex and have not been fully elucidated, which may be related to the following factors:
1. Environmental factors: Smoking can lead to the positivity of specific antibodies CCP;
2. Inducing factors: Exposure to cold water and humid environments can trigger the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Immune dysregulation factors: including dysfunction of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes;
4. Genetic factors: incidence rate of first-degree relatives of rheumatoid arthritis patients can reach about 11%; One of the identical twins is a rheumatoid arthritis patient, while the other has a high incidence rate of 12% -30%;
Joint swelling and pain should not be taken lightly
In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms include joint swelling, pain, and limited mobility. When patients experience swelling and pain in one or several joints, extra attention should be paid. When this time exceeds 6 weeks, it is likely to be rheumatoid arthritis and medical attention should be sought as soon as possible.
1. Morning stiffness phenomenon: Morning stiffness refers to the manifestation of joint stiffness when waking up in the morning, which is a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, there is a prolonged period of stiffness (half an hour to several hours) after being stationary, such as a sticky feeling.
Characteristic: The duration is generally proportional to the severity of inflammation.
The most common locations are the proximal interphalangeal joints, metacarpophalangeal joints, wrist, knee, foot, and other joints of both hands.
2. Joint pain or tenderness: Joint pain is the most common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis and is present throughout the entire course of the disease.
Characteristics: Mostly symmetrical and persistent, but sometimes light and sometimes heavy.
The most common locations are the wrist joint, metacarpophalangeal joint, and proximal finger joint, followed by the toe, knee, ankle, elbow, hip, and other joints.
3. Joint swelling: It is mainly caused by inflammation that disrupts the secretion of synovial fluid, leading to fluid accumulation and blood in the cavity, which in turn causes joint swelling.
Characteristics: Symmetrical
Common locations: wrist joint, metacarpophalangeal joint, proximal finger joint, knee joint.
4. Redness and fever: The skin at the joints will be redder and hotter than the surrounding skin.
What checks are needed?
1. Blood test.
2. Immunological examination.
3. Joint synovial fluid examination.
4. Joint X-ray examination.
There is currently no specific therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, and the purpose of treatment is to maintain joint activity and coordination function. Different treatment methods are used at different stages of the disease, and there is no fixed treatment plan. The main principles of treatment are:
1. Diet should contain rich protein and vitamins to increase nutrition.
2. Anti inflammatory and pain relieving, reducing symptoms.
3. Control and alleviate disease activity.
4. Reduce and prevent bone and joint damage, maximize joint function, and maintain the patient's labor ability and normal life as much as possible.
During the acute onset of rheumatoid arthritis, bed rest is necessary.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients, despite active and regular medication treatment in internal medicine, still cannot control their condition. To prevent joint damage, correct deformities, and improve quality of life, surgical treatment may be considered. However, surgery cannot cure rheumatoid arthritis, so postoperative medical treatment is still necessary.
1. Avoid triggers: Avoid triggers such as cold, humidity, infection, and excessive fatigue, maintain an optimistic attitude, and have good sleep.
2. Joint protection: During the relief period, engage in planned joint function exercises every day, maintain maximum range of joint activity, avoid maintaining one posture or movement for long periods of time, and avoid using fingers to lift heavy objects for long periods of time.
3. Self monitoring: closely observe the efficacy and adverse reactions of drugs, regularly test blood and urine routine, as well as liver and kidney function. Once serious adverse reactions are detected, the medication should be stopped immediately and medical attention should be sought promptly. If the condition recurs, seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid damage to important organs.