The difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Rheumatic arthritis is a reactive joint pain that occurs after a streptococcal infection. In addition to joint pain, common symptoms include mitral valve stenosis in some patients, skin erythema, and some patients may also exhibit symptoms such as chorea. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often show symmetrical swelling and pain in the joints of both hands. Blood tests reveal significantly elevated levels of rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies, and AK antibodies. Inflammatory indicators such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein also tend to be significantly elevated. The main difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that rheumatic arthritis can involve cardiac and skin pathologies, while rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifests as joint-related pathologies.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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Do you need to take X-rays for rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis requires imaging, especially of the affected joints. It is typically necessary to do this routinely. The main purpose is to check for any bone damage, primarily to differentiate it from rheumatoid arthritis. Because rheumatoid arthritis generally does not leave joint deformities, while rheumatoid arthritis, if not treated properly, can lead to bone destruction and in severe cases, joint fusion. In addition to imaging, rheumatoid arthritis also requires complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, anti-streptolysin O, and echocardiography among other tests to comprehensively assess the condition and determine the treatment plan.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to completely cure without medication, as it is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that requires lifelong medication. The main treatment plans include the following three categories: The first category is anti-inflammatory and analgesic, which includes non-steroidal analgesics and low-dose corticosteroids. The second category, which is also the most important treatment, involves the use of immunosuppressants. Commonly used immunosuppressants include methotrexate and leflunomide. If the patient does not respond well to anti-inflammatory analgesics and immunosuppressants, treatment with biological agents may also be considered. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Treatment of Acute Flare-ups of Rheumatoid Arthritis

During the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, typical treatment includes absolute bed rest and avoiding intense physical activities, followed by a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables containing vitamins. Medication-wise, sodium diclofenac or meloxicam are used, which are non-steroidal drugs that relieve joint pain. If these drugs are not effective, steroids such as methylprednisolone are administered, initially at doses of 20 mg or 40 mg, until the pain eases, then gradually reducing the steroid dosage. During steroid treatment, it's also important to prevent side effects, namely, by supplementing with calcium and incorporating drugs that protect the stomach lining. (The above medications should be used under medical supervision.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Can people with rheumatoid arthritis drink alcohol?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can drink a small amount of alcohol, but long-term heavy drinking is not recommended. This is mainly because patients with rheumatoid arthritis need to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief due to joint pain. The most significant side effect of these painkillers is their impact on the gastrointestinal tract. As alcohol is known to be harsh on the stomach, patients who take NSAIDs while drinking alcohol are at a higher risk of developing complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is advised that patients with rheumatoid arthritis should not engage in long-term heavy drinking. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

Rheumatoid arthritis, also commonly referred to as internal rheumatoid arthritis, primarily has three major categories of treatment. The first category is anti-inflammatory and pain relief. The medications for anti-inflammatory pain relief include two types: the first type is non-steroidal pain relievers; for patients with very severe pain, a low dose of corticosteroids can be considered. The second category, which is also the most important treatment, involves the use of immunosuppressants. These immunosuppressants include drugs such as methotrexate and leflunomide. If the patient does not respond well to anti-inflammatory pain relief and immunosuppressants, treatment with biologics can also be considered.