RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder affecting the joints, symmetrically
(usually). The joints become swollen, red, hot, painful & tender. The joint
movement becomes limited due to pain & swelling
It starts with inflammation of the synovial membrane but may involve the
joint capsule and other surrounding soft tissues.
It is a self limiting disease. But by the time it leaves, the patient is
crippled due to contractures & deformities.
Acute phase can be managed with medicines.
Commonly used medicines are Ibuprofen/Paracetamol/Aspirin in therapeutic
doses. They help to control symptoms of pain and swelling of the joints in most
of the cases by their anti inflammatory properties. Fever is also
controlled.
Vitamins, minerals, anti oxidents & other supportive medicines are also
needed. Omega 3 fatty acids have a very definite role to play in improving the
response to the treatment.
Physiotherapy helps in preventing contractures & deformities.
The patient should do general exercises & keep active.
He may have to be further investigated
In established cases of
Rheumatoid arthritis DMARD (disease modifying drugs) e.g. METHOTREXATE,
HCQ, LEFLUNOMIDE, SAAZ etc. have to be used.
They
all are toxic drugs & can cause bone marrow depression along with other
side effects. They should be taken under medical supervision.
Sometimes
steroids may have to used.
The dose of these medicines should be
adjusted to the minimum required, to control the symptoms.
Blood, urine Tests & other
investigative procedures should be done periodically to rule out any side
effects.
X rays of the affected part should be
done to confirm diagnosis & assess the extent of damage.
Diabetes, vitamin D deficiency or any other metabolic disorder should be
ruled out. Sometimes they mimic the symptoms & create confusion in
diagnosis. Associated disorders like these, most certainly affect recovery
adversely.
It should be ascertained that the patient is not allergic to any of the
medicines that he is going to take.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disorder that lasts over many years
with acute exacerbation & remissions. The earning capacity of the family is
adversely affected. The cost of medical treatment is high. If the patient needs
surgery, it is further escalated. Most of the population in India is not
covered by any medical insurance. All these factors put together create an
atmosphere of depression in the family. Patient feels morally degraded &
may even develop suicidal tendency.
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