Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis are two different conditions that affect the health of your joints. Both conditions are painful and make it difficult for you to do your normal daily activities as they disturb your body movement. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes swelling or inflammation, irritation, and pain in the joints. To understand what is rheumatoid arthritis, first, you should identify the early signs of RA before the condition worsens.
Rheumatoid arthritis vs Osteoarthritis
Whether it is rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Osteoarthritis (OA), both conditions refer to a form of arthritis with different causes and treatment requirements. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation and damage inside the bone joints. Moreover, RA is found to be an autoimmune condition as it largely occurs due to the body’s immune system attacks. On the other hand, Osteoarthritis is known as a degenerative condition that occurs due to the breakdown or wear and tear of cartilage in the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis starts with its identification, but you should not confuse this condition with Osteoarthritis. The question ‘Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?’ is simply reverted with ‘Yes’; understand the causes and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms correctly before considering a rheumatoid arthritis treatment or medication plan.
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
The stronger the immune system you achieve, the healthier the body functions you cherish. You have to understand the mechanism of our immune system that helps us counter the internal and external negative forces in the form of viruses and bacteria.
Since RA is an autoimmune disease, our immune system mistakes the body’s cells for external invaders and thereby releases inflammatory chemicals that attack the cells of synovium, too. Synovium is a tissue lining around a joint that releases a form of fluid to protect joint bones and help them function smoothly. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis and fatigue in bone tissue, synovium gets thicker or swelled. Therefore, you experience pain and find it difficult to move and do your daily activities. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the condition can also affect other body parts. The exact rheumatoid arthritis causes cannot be ascertained even now. Some experts find that RA is triggered because of genetic factors. Poor immunity, physical stress, obesity, lack of proper rest, etc., are some other factors raising the risk of early signs of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis medications are taken as per the gravity of the condition. Sometimes, it is healed with the help of some homemade solutions. Even some of the best diet for rheumatoid arthritis is available to help you out.
Identify rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
During the initial stages, mild symptoms of RA, like tenderness and pain in the joint muscles, are experienced, but you are unlikely to detect redness or swelling. Such initial signs indicate the development of rheumatoid arthritis underneath. RA symptoms are identified as:
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- Stiffness and tenderness that emanated mild pain in the joints over the last two months or more
- Bone stiffness every morning or after periods of inactivity
- Mild joint pain in wrist, ankle, and fingers, and this pain persists for longer than usual periods
- Both sides of joints are affected; it causes swelling and tissue inflammation
There are some more systemic RA symptoms like loss of appetite, weight loss, mild fever, weakness, numbness in joint tissue, etc. Some long-term and progressive rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are erosion of bone and cartilage, anemia, nodules under the skin, and dryness in the mouth and eyes. Experts often see rheumatoid arthritis and fatigue interlinked, as people with RA feel tired and acute pain in the joints. Moreover, people experiencing early signs of rheumatoid arthritis may find its effects in some other body parts like eyes, lungs, heart, lymphoma, skin, blood circulation system, and nerve tissue.
There are basically four stages of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that refer to the gravity of the condition or from an early stage of minor effects to a serious condition. Do not complicate and confuse with rheumatoid arthritis vs osteoarthritis signs and treatment while searching for the rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?
It is often asked when to see a doctor for RA treatment. If you are tolerating long-lasting pain and swelling in your joints but consult a doctor, then you are at risk of developing this condition. There are several of the best rheumatoid arthritis medications that you can consider.
Make an appointment with your healthcare professional if you have ongoing pain and swelling in your joints that is not getting treated even after several weeks. Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis starts with blood tests and imaging tests. You should complete the rheumatoid arthritis treatment or medication course to negate the problem.
Experts also recommend some lifestyle and natural or homemade solutions for RA. For example, you can try the best diet for rheumatoid arthritis that promotes wellness and maintain body weight. It is advised to take curcumin/turmeric and omega-3 fish oil supplements to combat rheumatoid arthritis pain. You can also consider mild exercises to promote your joints and bone health. Some exercises to consider can be cycling, walking, and swimming. In addition, you can also do stretching and strength training. Exercises like tai chi and yoga also improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and reduce pain in the joints. Ask your doctor or gym/yoga professional for the best exercise that benefits you well.
