Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• Joint Pain and Swelling: Especially in small joints like the hands and feet.
• Morning Stiffness: Stiffness in the joints upon waking, typically lasting more than 30 minutes.
• Fatigue: Frequent feelings of tiredness.
• Fever and Weight Loss: This may be accompanied by low-grade fever and weight loss.

Causes

• Immune System Abnormalities: The immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues.
• Genetic Factors: Certain genes, such as HLA-DRB1, are associated with an increased risk.
• Environmental Factors: Infections, smoking, and hormonal changes may trigger the disease.

Risk Factors

• Gender: Women are at higher risk of developing the condition.
• Age: It commonly manifests between 40 and 60.
• Family History: Those with a history of the disease have an increased risk.
• Smoking: Smokers have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

• Clinical Examination: The doctor examines joint swelling and pain.
• Blood Tests: Testing for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (Anti-CCP).
• Imaging Studies: X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to check for joint damage.

The currently established diagnostic criteria were jointly published by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) in 2010. These criteria include the following four scoring standards, with a total score of 10 points. A result of 6 points or more is considered indicative of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

⚠️  Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis requires the professional judgment of a physician. A comprehensive assessment based on the patient's test results and clinical features is necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Medication Treatment:

• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications that have antipyretic and analgesic effects to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroids: Main drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis and essential treatment drugs that control inflammation in the short term.
• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): Primarily control the inflammatory response of rheumatoid arthritis through immune modulation, slowing disease progression.
• Biologics: Target specific parts of the immune system to control inflammation, with fewer side effects than other medications. Recently, oral forms have been introduced, but they are more expensive.

Physical Therapy: 

• Guidance from physical or occupational therapists helps improve joint function and reduce stiffness.

Surgery:

• For severe joint damage, procedures like joint replacement or repair surgeries (e.g., total joint replacement, tendon reconstruction, synovectomy, or joint fusion) are performed to alleviate pain and improve the affected joint's function.