Description
A kind of arthritis caused by an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain and swelling in joints, but can also cause a variety of other symptoms. The disorder causes swelling and damage to the lining of the joints (synovium) producing the joint pain and joint destruction experienced. It occurs between the ages 20 and 60 and is 3 times more common in women than men.
Symptoms
Fatigue, morning stiffness (lasting more than 1 hour), widespread muscle aches, loss of appetite, weakness, deformity of joints (primarily of the hands).
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays can be helpful. A specific blood test, anti-CCP antibody test, can distinguish most cases of rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. Other tests that may be helpful include: C-reactive protein, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), rheumatoid factor test (positive in about 75% of people with symptoms), and joint fluid analysis.
Other Specific Tests: C-reactive protein, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) , rheumatoid factor test, synovial fluid analysis
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. X-rays can be helpful. A specific blood test, anti-CCP antibody test, can distinguish most cases of rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. Other tests that may be helpful include: C-reactive protein, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), rheumatoid factor test (positive in about 75% of people with symptoms), and joint fluid analysis.
Other Specific Tests: C-reactive protein, ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) , rheumatoid factor test, synovial fluid analysis
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Rheumatology, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
This is a life-long illness. Treatment is directed at controlling the symptoms and slowing down the joint damage. Treatment includes: medications, physical therapy, and exercise. The medications used include: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn), steroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (hydroxychloroquine/Plaquenil, the gold compound auranofin/Ridaura, sulfasalazine/Azulfidine, minocycline/Dynacin, methotrexate/Rheumatrex), immunosuppressant's (leflunomide/Arava, azathioprine/Imuran, cyclosporine/Neoral, cyclophosphamide/Cytoxan, rituximab/Rituxan), TNF-alpha inhibitors (etanercept/Enbrel, infliximab/Remicade, adalimumab/Humira), and other immune modulators.