Part of our ongoing Series on Health Issues which particularly affect Seniors
Back when I was a child, I remember my grandmother talking about rheumatism and how its aches and pains impacted her daily life. While rheumatism is not an actual medical condition, what Grandma was referring to was rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease affecting the joints. It causes chronic inflammation which leads to pain, swelling, stiffness and a decrease in physical function.
Symptoms
Typical symptoms of RA include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in the small joints of the hands and feet. Other common symptoms may include fatigue, fever, weight loss and a general feeling of malaise. As the disease progresses, RA can lead to joint deformity and disability. Note that RA is a systemic disease, meaning it can also affect other organs in the body, leading to complications like heart and lung problems.
From NIH National Library of Medicine
Treatment
The management of RA typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to reduce pain and inflammation. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are another class of medications that work to slow down the progression of RA and prevent joint damage. Biologic agents targeting specific components of the immune system have revolutionized the treatment of RA in recent years, providing a great deal of relief for a lot of patients. I wish they had been around when my Grandma was.
Besides medication, physical therapy is often included in RA treatment programs in order to improve joint function and reduce pain. Exercise programs designed specifically for individuals with RA can help maintain mobility and strengthen muscles around affected joints. Beyond this, lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking can also contribute to better disease management.
Research
The field of rheumatology has seen substantial advancements in the last 30 years. Ongoing research efforts are focused on several key areas. These include:
Early Diagnosis and Intervention: Detecting RA in its early stages can greatly improve patient outcomes. Research is focused on developing biomarkers and imaging techniques that aid in early diagnosis, This in turn paves the way for more prompt intervention and treatment.
Targeted Therapies: A lot of today’s research focuses on the development of targeted and personalized treatment programs. By understanding the specific mechanisms that drive RA in each individual person, researchers are able to tailor treatments for maximum efficacy with minimal side effects.
Regenerative Medicine: In the past 15 years, stem cell therapy and tissue engineering have been used to repair damaged joints and tissues affected by RA. Research in this area is focused on the regenerative potential of the human body to mitigate the impact of RA.
Immunotherapy: Using the human body’s own immune system to fight disease is referred to as immunotherapy. For RA, research focuses on reducing the inflammation and damage caused by the overactive immune system, as well as modulating the immune response in order to halt the progression of the disease.
Is There a Cure?
Unfortunately, as of yet there is no definitive cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The good news, though, is that available treatment options are continuously evolving, advancing and improving.. Genetic studies, immune system modulation and regenerative medicine all have shown promise for the future development of curative treatments for RA.
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So there you have it. Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. The symptoms of RA can significantly impact quality of life, but advances in treatment and ongoing research provide hope for the future.
By Steven Roberts
