Can Rheumatoid Arthritis be Cured?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its healthy tissues causing joint damage and inflammation. This chronic disorder causes severe joint pain, inflammation, and swelling in various body parts including the wrists, hands, ankles, knees, hips, spine, and feet. As rheumatoid arthritis attacks tendons, joints, and muscles in multiple ways, people dealing with this disease have to suffer not just from chronic pain but also limitations in their daily activities as well as emotional stress. Apart from causing bone erosion and joint deformity, RA can attack and cause damage to internal organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys in severe cases.

Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, consulting the best orthopaedic doctor at Apollo Hospital Hyderabad, can help manage and slow the progression of this disease. Please continue reading to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment options.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The symptoms of RA can develop over several years or in certain people the symptoms progress rapidly. Major RA symptoms include:

• Joint Pain
• Swelling, redness, and tenderness in more than one joint
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
• Fatigue or the feeling of extreme tiredness
• High body temperature of fever

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and the cause of this chronic disorder is unknown. However, doctors and medical researchers think it is caused by a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors. Experts also believe that if a family member has RA, your chances of inheriting it are about 60%.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of RA is based on your symptoms. The doctor will do a physical examination and may ask about your medical history and symptoms. Generally, they will order blood tests and imaging tests that may include:

Blood Tests

• C-reactive protein (CRP) level and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR/ sed rate)- to confirm inflammation in your joints
• Rheumatoid Factor Test- About 80% of people with RA, test positive for rheumatoid factor (RF)
• Anti-CCP (antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide proteins) Test- About 60% of people living with RA have antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (CCP) (proteins).

Imaging Tests

• X-rays to show narrowed joint space
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound Scan
• Computed Tomography
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan
• Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Be Cured Permanently?

Although there is no definite cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are several options for the treatment and management of this disease. Treatment options for RA include medication and alternate treatments such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Clinical studies have shown that remission of RA symptoms is more likely when treatment begins early with medications known as Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs).

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Medications

The medication prescribed by the doctor depends on the severity of your symptoms. These medications include:

• NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen, Advil, and Motrin.
• Steroids: Prescribed by doctors, corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone, reduce inflammation and pain and slow down joint damage.
• DMARDs: DMARDs including methotrexate (Trexall, Otrexup, others), leflunomide (Arava), hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) are known to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage.

2. Therapy

Doctors usually refer patients suffering from RA to a physical or occupational therapist who assists and teaches them exercises to help keep their joints flexible. The right physiotherapy regime can improve fitness, flexibility, and strength. 

3. Surgery

In severe cases, doctors may consider surgery to repair damaged joints. Rheumatoid arthritis surgery may involve one or more of the following procedures:

• Tendon Repair: Surgery to repair the loosened or ruptured tendons around your joints.
• Synovectomy: Surgery to remove the inflamed lining of the joint (synovium).
• Total Joint Replacement: Surgery to remove the damaged parts of your joint and to insert a prosthesis made of metal and plastic.
• Joint Fusion: Surgically fusing a joint, to stabilize or realign a joint, when joint replacement is not an option.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis is a difficult physical condition and can cause severe pain and fatigue. Remember, early diagnosis and treatment can help in managing the condition well. Most people can manage rheumatoid arthritis and still do the activities they care about with the right treatment plan.

For those in the city, consulting the best orthopedic doctor in Hyderabad at Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, can provide access to expert care and guidance in managing a condition like rheumatoid arthritis. Prioritizing timely medical intervention can make managing this disease easier.