What should you pay attention to with rheumatoid arthritis?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Firstly, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It cannot be cured but can only be managed with medications to control the condition, relieve clinical symptoms, delay the onset of joint deformities, reduce complications, and improve quality of life. These are the main goals of treatment. Therefore, in the treatment process, the following points should be noted:

First, do not stop taking medication on your own. After the condition stabilizes, reduce the medication slowly under the guidance of a physician;

Second, diagnosis and treatment should be as early as possible to prevent the appearance of joint deformities;

Third, during treatment, it's important to periodically recheck blood routine, liver and kidney functions, and electrolytes;

Fourth, avoid excessive fatigue. However, one should not be inactive; physical exercise is an important part of the treatment process for rheumatoid arthritis;

Fifth, pay attention to keeping warm, avoid getting cold, and avoid the intake of raw and cold foods. These are some important precautions to take.

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Written by Liu Li Ning
Rheumatology
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How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is divided into general treatment and pharmacological treatment. General treatment mainly involves avoiding overexertion, having a light diet, and not staying up late. Pharmacological treatment is mainly divided into treatment during the acute flare-up phase and the remission phase. The acute phase focuses on anti-inflammatory and pain relief treatments, with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as the first choice, such as etoricoxib, meloxicam, or celecoxib. If the effect is not satisfactory, low-dose corticosteroid therapy may be combined. In the remission phase, slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs are preferred, such as methotrexate, leflunomide, or sulfasalazine. If the slow-acting anti-rheumatic drugs are not effective, biologic agents such as tumor necrosis factor antagonists or JAK inhibitors may be combined.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
52sec home-news-image

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly occurs at what age?

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by pain in multiple joints throughout the body. The causes of the disease are not yet clear, but it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic, infectious, and environmental factors. The main pathological basis of the disease is synovitis. It commonly occurs in individuals aged between 35 and 50, and is more prevalent in females, with a significantly higher incidence rate in women than in men. Additionally, this disease can lead to disability and loss of work capacity. Therefore, early diagnosis and standard treatment are crucial. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage should be gradually reduced to maintain the disease in a stable state.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis-induced joint pain has several distinct characteristics: The first is that it initially affects the small joints of the limbs, typically involving the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles, before spreading to larger joints. It rarely starts in the large joints first. Secondly, the onset is generally symmetrical, meaning it seldom affects just a single limb or joint. Typically, if the disease manifests, it affects both limbs simultaneously. Another characteristic is significant morning stiffness, meaning a feeling of stiffness upon waking up in the morning. Generally, by combining auxiliary tests such as blood tests and imaging, a clear diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made. Once diagnosed, it is advised that patients seek treatment at a reputable hospital in the rheumatology and immunology department or orthopedics, targeting specific treatments and avoiding unlicensed practitioners. Common rheumatoid arthritis treatment plans start with medications to alleviate symptoms, using immunosuppressants. In severe cases, a small, short-term dose of steroids may be used. Additionally, symptomatic treatment may include topical applications of ointments to improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. Patients can also take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs orally to relieve symptoms. Furthermore, traditional Chinese medicine is also a very effective method, and patients can take specific herbal medicines as symptomatic treatment for rheumatic joint pain, which are also very effective. (Please follow a professional physician's guidance when using medications and do not medicate blindly.)

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Is rheumatoid arthritis serious?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, if treated reasonably and formally, can achieve clinical remission, so in this sense, rheumatoid arthritis is not severe. However, if patients do not adhere to formal treatment for a long time, after a long period, they may develop joint deformities and ankylosis, resulting in disability. From this perspective, rheumatoid arthritis should be taken seriously. Commonly used drugs for treating rheumatoid arthritis include anti-inflammatory pain relievers, with non-steroidal pain relievers being the most commonly used, such as sustained-release diclofenac sodium tablets. The most important step in treating rheumatoid arthritis is the selection of immunosuppressants, with common immunosuppressants including methotrexate and leflunomide. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific circumstances.)

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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 the following aspects: The first is symmetrical joint pain, primarily characterized by tenderness and swelling in the metacarpophalangeal joints, proximal interphalangeal joints, and both wrists. Secondly, it also includes abnormalities in inflammation markers, which comprise erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP), along with abnormalities in certain antibodies, mainly rheumatoid factor, CCP antibodies, and AKA antibodies. If the above symptoms are present, and these inflammation markers and antibodies are found to be abnormal upon blood testing, a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be made.