Dr. Himanshu Gupta and team are committed in improving the lives of people with all forms of inflammatory arthritis particularly Rheumatoid arthritis. Our patients, provided access to treatments that are not available anywhere else. Our goal is to help patients in improving the quality of their life by providing comprehensive health care.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting many joints, including the joints of arms, feet and knees. In severe cases Rheumatoid arthritis spreads to other organs of the body.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks body’s healthy cells which causes inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body.
In joints affected with Rheumatoid arthritis, the synovium (lining of the joints) gets inflamed causing damage to the tissue. As a result of this tissue damage, the affected joint suffers from pain and deformity.
In Rheumatoid arthritis the both sides joints of the body are affected. This is how Rheumatoid arthritis is distinguished from other forms of arthritis.
What are the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The exact cause of Rheumatoid arthritis is not yet known what triggers this. But there are certain risk factors that make you more susceptible for Rheumatoid arthritis.
What are risk factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
AGE:
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect you at any age but 40 to 60 years is the common affected age group. With an increase in age increases the chances of getting affected with rheumatoid arthritis.
SEX:
Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in females than to males. Pregnant women and women in post-partum period (recently underwent delivery) are more prone to Rheumatoid arthritis.
FAMILY HISTORY:
Studies have shown that Rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary i.e., if any of your family members have Rheumatoid arthritis it is more likely that you may increase the risk of developing it.
SMOKING:
Exposure to nicotine, particularly smoking increases the susceptibility of developing Rheumatoid arthritis and worsens the disease if already present.
GENETICS:
People born with HLA (Human leukocyte antigen, class II genotype) are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The risk of developing Rheumatoid arthritis increases if people with HLA have the habit of smoking or are obese.
OBESITY:
The person who carries excess weight have the higher risk of developing Rheumatoid arthritis.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURE:
People who are exposed to Asbestos or Silica are at higher risk of developing Rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The signs and symptoms vary in people, the common symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis are:
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in the same joints on both sides of your body, basically it affects body symmetrically i.e., if left side of your knee is affected, the right knee will also be affected.
- Affects multiple joints at a time.
- Pain in more than one joint on both sides of the body.
- Stiffness in joints of both sides of the body.
- Tenderness and swelling on both sides of the body.
- Redness and warming indicates signs of inflammation on affected area.
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Fever
- Weight Loss
- Poor Appetite
- Depression
- Muscle ache
SKIN-RHEUMATOID NODULES- These are firm lumps or nodule like growths seen under the skin.
EYES- Rheumatoid arthritis of eyes causes dryness of eyes, cataract.
LUNGS- Shortness of breath.
How Rheumatoid Arthritis is Diagnosed?
Early diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis is important to prevent joint erosion. But Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to diagnose during early stages because the signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis are not specific and mimic those of other diseases. Multiple tests are done to confirm the diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis, single test cannot make correct diagnosis.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Examining the function of a joint.
Checking the affected area for tenderness and warmth.
Test of your reflexes.
Muscle strength testing
Check for redness and swelling.
Examining the joint’s range of motion.
BLOOD TESTS
Anticitrullinated protein antibody (Anti-CCP) test:
This test is used to detect Anti-CCP antibodies in your blood. The presence of Anti-CCP indicates that you are more likely to have Rheumatoid arthritis, but this is not always true, as people with Anti-CCP may or may not have Rheumatoid arthritis.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR):
The ESR test is used to determine the presence of inflammation in your body.
Antinuclear antibody test:
The antinuclear antibody panel test determines whether or not your immune system produces antibodies against Rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid factor test:
Rheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood protein. High levels of RF in the blood have been linked to auto immune disorders, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
C-reactive protein test:
C-reactive protein is a protein marker that is secreted by your liver when your body is inflamed. Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with high levels of the C-reactive protein marker.
IMAGING TESTS
These tests are performed to determine the presence or absence of joint damage and, if present, the severity of the damage.
- MRI-Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
How Rheumatoid Arthritis is Treated?
MEDICATIONS
Pain management with over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medications.
Using corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.
DISEASE MODIFYING ANTI RHEUMATIC DRUGS (DMARDs).
BIOLOGICS_ Drugs created within your body.
HOME REMEDIES
Ice packs, grab bars, handrails.
DIET- Food rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins.
SURGERY
If your condition does not improve after trying medications and home remedies, your doctor may recommend surgery. Rheumatoid arthritis surgeries are classified as follows:
ANTHROPLASTY:
Total joint replacement with a metal or plastic artificial joint.
SYNOVECTOMY:
The inflamed joint lining is removed.
ARTHRODESIS:
Joint fixation to promote bone fusion.
TENDON REPAIR:
This method is used to repair torn tendons.
Why should you choose us for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- We have the best doctors who are experts in the diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis;
- We have the best doctors who are experts in the diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis;
- We assure that all of your needs will be met in the most efficient manner possible.
- Your appointments will go seamlessly.
- Our team will walk you through each step of the treatment.
- We will not only provide treatment but will also follow up to determine your prognosis.