What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Symptoms, Causes and How to Manage Flare-Ups

Do you knowwhat rheumatoid arthritis is? This chronic disease is characterised by causing inflammation and pain in different joints throughout the body. Below, we provide more information about it.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that affects the small and medium-sized joints. According to the Caser Foundation, it affects around 0.5% of the population, although it occursmore frequently in womenfrom the age of 50.

It is a progressive condition that is triggered when the synovial membranes of the affected joints become inflamed. It is autoimmune in origin because it is the body itself that produces it while trying to defend itself against a threat.

Because of this, it creates a series of antibodies that damage and degenerate the body's tissues. When talking aboutrheumatoid arthritis and its symptoms,we cannot overlook the fact that those who suffer from it experience pain, fatigue and stiffness, which are more intense in the mornings.

Likewise, it is important to know that it is usually more common in joints such as those in the feet, ankles, hands, knuckles and wrists.

What are the causes?

Now that we have explainedwhat rheumatoid arthritis is, it is time to talk aboutrheumatoid arthritis and its causes,which is not straightforward because it does not have one exact cause.

In this respect, the same thing happens as with other autoimmune diseases. What we do know is that rheumatoid arthritis occurs more frequently in people witha certain genetic predisposition.

Although it is not a condition that can be considered hereditary, it may be triggered by certain environmental factors.

The possible causes considered in the development of rheumatoid arthritis are as follows:

1. Genetic material. It is believed that genetics may be the reason why this disease is more common in certain families. In this way, when one person has had it,, it is possible that their descendants may also suffer from it.
2. Different infections.Viruses, bacteria and fungi that may trigger it have been studied, although it is not transmitted by contagion.
3. Adefect in the cartilageor in the joint connection.
4. Anabnormality in the immune systemthat prevents it from responding properly to infections.
5. Muscle weakness,which causes greater wear and tear on the joints.
6. Repetitive movementsthat damage the joints.
7. Injuriesand trauma.
8. Beingoverweight or obese, as this promotes osteoarthritis, especially in the knees.
9. Hormonal changes.
10. Stress.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

Now that we knowwhat rheumatoid arthritis isand what its possible causes are, it is time to talk about its symptoms. Most people who suffer from it say that they feel joint pain as a result of inflammation, which is even visible on certain occasions.

As well as in the hands or ankles, rheumatoid arthritis also affects the hips, knees and temporomandibular joints.

Likewise, in some cases, neck pain may have this origin. Along with these two main symptoms,pain and inflammation, morning stiffness also occurs.

This means that, when getting up in the morning, those who suffer from it have difficulty moving those joints. The estimated duration of this stiffness is approximately 45 minutes.

On the other hand, we must talk about another very clear sign: theprogressive deformity of the joints.

Permanent inflammation that is left untreated can damage bones, ligaments and tendons, and this is what causes the deformity. As a result, the ability to carry out certain daily activities is lost.

Rheumatoid arthritis and its treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis and its treatmentrequire a multidisciplinary approach; in other words, they require the attention of several professionals.

Collaboration between physiotherapists, podiatrists, surgeons and rehabilitation doctors is key to monitoring the patient's progress.

Although the main treatment is pharmacological, withmedicinesintended to reduce inflammation and symptoms, there are natural alternatives that improve the patient's quality of life, such as the concentrated spray from the Aromalgic range byPranarôm.

They are formulated with 100% organic essential oils such as Lavender, Eucalyptus and Peppermint. They instantly relieve discomfort in muscles and joints, provide flexibility and help movement.

Other products that can also improve the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are Actimove supports, such as the wrist support or the gloves,both available in different sizes ranging from XS to XL.

Actimove Wrist Support Artritis Soporte de Muñeca is designed with ceramic fibres to retain body heat and provide instant relief.

In addition, its light and comfortable compression helps improve mobility and reduce swelling, allowing daily activities to be carried out without difficulty.

On the other hand, the Actimove arthritis glove, reduces and combats symptoms associated with arthritis such as pain, swelling or lack of mobility, as well as helping to treat the so-called overuse or repetitive strain syndrome.

Its design also provides warmth, helps with finger and hand mobility and can be used every day thanks to its soft, breathable material.

There are also procedures used in cases of rheumatoid arthritis, such ascorticosteroid injections into the joints.

Similarly, corrective surgery for deformities may be carried out and orthopaedic devices such as splints may be used.

As for physiotherapy,complementary magnetotherapy treatmentshave shown great effectiveness. Their mechanism of action improves blood flow and can reduce inflammation and pain.

How long does an arthritis flare-up last?

We already knowwhat rheumatoid arthritis is; even so, we should add that the duration of a flare-up can vary from one person to another and will depend on its severity. Therefore, defininghow long a rheumatoid arthritis flare-up lastsexactly is not straightforward.

In general, we can say that it may last from a few days to several weeks or even months. During a flare-up, it is possible to experience increased inflammation in the joints, which may cause pain, stiffness and swelling.

Likewise, there may be fatigue, fever and loss of appetite. And, if the flare-up is severe, it may be necessary to adjust treatment to control symptoms and prevent permanent joint damage.

For this reason, it is not enough just to knowwhat rheumatoid arthritis is,but it is important to have a specialist who can prescribe a personalised treatment.

At Farmaciasdirect we recommend following a healthy lifestyle, avoiding factors that may trigger a flare-up and following the pharmacological treatment prescribed by the specialist.