Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease, in which the immune system of the body starts attacking healthy cells by mistake, causing painful swelling (inflammation) in certain parts of the body- usually joints. Several joints can be affected by rheumatoid arthritis at once, especially in wrists, hands, and knees. The lining of joints becomes inflamed, leading to damage in the joint tissues. The tissue damage might lead to chronic or long-lasting pain, (misshapenness) deformity and lack of balance (unsteadiness). Tissues in other organs in the body, including heart, eyes and lungs might also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
For consultation regarding rheumatoid arthritis and other orthopedic issues, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Orthopedics today and get an appointment with the best Orthopedic in Bahrain.
Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Click here for more information about Orthopedics– by Dr. Abraham George, Consultant Orthopedic, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Following are the common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms:
- Aching or pain in more than one joint
- Stiffness in joints (usually more than one joint)
- Swelling and tenderness in more than one joint
- Similar or same symptoms in body sides of body, like both knees or hands
- Loss of weight
- Fever
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Weakness
If you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis mentioned above, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Orthopedics today and get an appointment with the best Orthopedic in Bahrain, for early detection and effective treatment.
Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Test
Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages can be difficult, because:
- Symptoms of the disease develop with time and might not be present in intimal stages.
- There is no specific rheumatoid arthritis test.
- Symptoms usually vary from one person to another.
- Symptoms could be like several other types of joint conditions and arthritis.
For more information regarding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, consult an expert Orthopedic. Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Orthopedics has the best Orthopedic in Bahrain- call us today for appointment and consultation.
Rheumatoid arthritis test include:
- Medical history of the patient.
- Physical exam by healthcare provider.
- Laboratory tests- including Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP), Complete blood count, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (also known as sed rate), C-reactive protein and other blood tests.
- Imaging studies- X-rays, MRI, CT scan, PET scan, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and bone scan.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment consists of:
- Physical and occupational therapy.
- Ongoing care and routine monitoring.
- Other complementary therapies.
- Surgery- might be performed for correction of deformities and replacement in last stage arthritis.
- Multidisciplinary approach, involving orthopedic, physiotherapist, hematologist, ophthalmologist and dermatologist.
Usually, doctors recommend a combination of treatments, that might also change over time, based on the severity and symptoms of the disease. Joint damage starts during the first one or two years of rheumatoid arthritis; however, once started, it cannot be reversed. Hence early diagnosis and treatment is essential to minimize and control damage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication
Rheumatoid arthritis medication aims at decreasing pain and inflammation, and to stop or slow joint damage. The medicines can be used alone, or in combination with other medicines- the commonly used rheumatoid arthritis medication include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication to lower inflammation and provide pain relief.
- Corticosteroids for decreasing inflammation, providing pain relief, and slowing joint damage (usually, the lowest possible dose is prescribed to minimize side effects).
- DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) to change or slow the disease progression.
- Biologic response modifiers- another form of DMARDs that target specific immune messages and assist in stopping or decreasing inflammation by interrupting signals.
- Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, stops inflammation from inside the cell by sending messages to specific cells. These medications are used if the patient does not respond to initial therapy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
Healthy food choices can help in reducing inflammation of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis diet includes:
- Fatty fish
- Vegetables and fruits
- Whole grains
- Beans and peas
- Nuts
- Olive oil
Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Natural Remedies
Apart from medication, rheumatoid arthritis treatment natural remedies are also effective. These include:
- Stretching
- Exercise
- Cold and heat
- Balanced rest
- Stress relieving (through yoga, massage, meditation, and acupuncture)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Support groups
- Diet
- Assistive devices
- Dietary supplements
Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Orthopedics
For more information about rheumatoid arthritis, or any other orthopedic issue, consult an expert orthopedic at the earliest. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Orthopedics, we have highly qualified and experienced doctors, modern equipment, and state-of-the-art laboratories, to provide early detection and treatment options for all the patients.
Contact Al Hilal Hospital, and get consultation with the best orthopedic in Bahrain for rheumatoid arthritis and other orthopedic diseases. For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.
