Overview
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain and damage throughout the body. The joint damage usually happens on both sides of the body in a symmetrical mannerSigns and Symptoms
Joint pain, Joint swelling, Joint stiffness, Morning stiffness, More than 1 joint affected, The same joints on both sides of the body are affected, Muscle wasting, Instability of the cervical spine, Leg ulcers, Rashes, Shortness of breath, Mild liver enlargement, Enlarged spleenCommon Causes
Genetic factorsRisk Factors
Gender : Females have a higher risk compared to males, Age : Most commonly occurs in middle age, Diabetes, Family history of rheumatoid arthritis, Smoking, Exposure to asbestos or silica, Obesity, Infection, HyperprolactinaemiaInvestigation Techniques
Full blood count, C-reactive protein level, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Rheumatoid factor assay, Antinuclear antibody assay, Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide assay, Liver function test, Serum creatinine, Serum urea, Urinalysis, Uric acid/synovial fluid analysis, X-ray of the affected joints, MRI of the affected jointsTreatment and Prevention
Pain relieving medication, Referral for specialist treatment, Physiotherapy,Occupational therapy, Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Other specific medication which may be given by the doctor, Exercise, Quit smoking, Healthy diet, Ensure a safe working environment
