Does rheumatoid arthritis cause fever?

Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
Updated on September 24, 2024
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Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as an autoimmune disease, primarily characterized by swelling and pain in multiple joints, particularly in the wrists or ankles. It also causes morning stiffness, and may be accompanied by fatigue, low fever, muscle soreness, and even weight loss. The onset of the disease is generally gradual for most people, and symptoms can vary significantly from one individual to another. A minority of patients may experience a rapid onset of symptoms, developing joint problems within days or weeks. Therefore, during the acute phase of rheumatoid arthritis, patients may experience a mild or moderate fever. However, it is important to differentiate whether this fever is due to an infection or the activity of the disease itself. This can be determined through regular blood tests, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein, and related symptoms.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by systemic damage to multiple joints with an unclear cause. Thus, it cannot be cured, meaning it cannot be completely healed. Treatment can only alleviate joint pain and morning stiffness through medication, delay the onset of complications, reduce bone damage, decrease disability rates, and improve quality of life. This is the comprehensive purpose of treatment. Therefore, early diagnosis and standardized treatment of this disease are essential to prevent joint deformities and to maintain quality of life.

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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.

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Written by Li Jing
Rheumatology
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How to cure rheumatoid arthritis?

Firstly, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple joints throughout the body and has an unclear etiology, meaning it cannot be cured. It can only be managed with medications to control the progression of the disease, alleviate symptoms, and delay the appearance of joint deformities. Therefore, it is essential to undergo standardized and formal treatment. Once the condition stabilizes, the dosage of the medication should gradually be reduced to maintain stability. Do not believe in folk remedies or rumors that claim this disease can be cured; it cannot be cured. During the treatment process, it is important to regularly monitor complete blood counts, liver and kidney functions, electrolytes, and other relevant indicators to avoid damage to liver and kidney functions due to long-term use of medications.

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Written by Yang Ya Meng
Rheumatology
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Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis in the hand

The key hand features of rheumatoid arthritis primarily manifest as symmetrical joint swelling and pain in both hands in the early stages. These swollen and painful joints include both wrist joints, bilateral metacarpophalangeal joints, and bilateral proximal interphalangeal joints. Rheumatoid arthritis rarely affects the distal interphalangeal joints of the hands. In the later stages of rheumatoid arthritis, due to the destruction of the hand joints by synovitis, some patients may develop deformities in the hand joints, commonly including ulnar deviation, swan neck deformities, or boutonniere deformities. Some patients may experience significant stiffness leading to limited mobility of the hand joints.