How long does it take to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
Updated on November 13, 2024
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The symptoms of rheumatic arthritis, such as joint swelling and pain, generally improve on their own within about two weeks, with the longest duration not exceeding one month. However, since rheumatic arthritis is triggered by a Streptococcus infection, if the Streptococcus infection is not actively controlled, it is easy for the arthritis to relapse after the joint pain has improved. Therefore, for patients with rheumatic arthritis, it is essential to treat the Streptococcus infection early. Treatment with second-generation cephalosporin antibiotics for 10-14 days is recommended, followed by regular long-acting benzathine penicillin treatment at outpatient clinics to achieve a complete cure of rheumatic arthritis. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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The difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis

Rheumatic arthritis is an inflammatory connective tissue disease caused by infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. It is primarily characterized by migratory pain in the major joints of the limbs and may also present with fever, rash, erythema annulare, subcutaneous nodules, chorea, and carditis. Osteoarthritis mainly affects the major joints such as the hands, knees, shoulders, and lumbar spine, often without migratory symptoms. This condition is a degenerative change, primarily seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals. The treatment of this disease mainly includes calcium supplementation, keeping the joints warm, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications that improve the condition, mainly glucosamine sulfate and diacerein.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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The difference between rheumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

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

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid drinking alcohol. Due to joint pain, patients with rheumatoid arthritis inevitably consume anti-inflammatory pain relievers or steroids for pain relief. These anti-inflammatory drugs are already harsh on the stomach, and alcohol is similarly harmful. Consuming both anti-inflammatory pain relievers and alcohol can easily lead to gastrointestinal bleeding. Some patients may even develop complications such as gastric ulcers or severe gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, it is not recommended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis to drink alcohol. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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The difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis refers to the damage of joint cartilage due to degeneration in old age, which can cause symptoms such as joint pain, limited mobility, and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, involves the destruction of joint cartilage solely due to rheumatic diseases, particularly accompanied by abnormal proliferation of the synovium, causing pain and local heating, and resulting in limited joint mobility. Rheumatic diseases feature migrating joint pain, which worsens when exposed to cold. Additionally, diagnostic indicators such as positive rheumatoid factor will show increased levels, thus making it relatively easy to distinguish between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnostic Criteria

The diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis include, first, the presence of swelling and pain in multiple joints, especially characterized and significant in the smaller joints. Second, serological tests show elevated levels of antibodies, commonly rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. If both are elevated, it is most meaningful. Third, the duration of joint swelling and pain should be more than six weeks. Fourth, we must also check some inflammatory markers for joints, such as elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. If these markers are elevated, and the patient has swelling and pain in multiple joints, then we can consider a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.