What Should Women Be Aware Of If They’re Pregnant Or Trying For A Baby
Methotrexate and leflunomide can lead to the development of birth defects in an unborn baby. There is some to suggest that these drugs might damage genetic material in men’s sperm too. So it’s important to use safe contraception if you are on these medications. It’s still important to use safe contraception for some time afterwards as well: for six months after stopping treatment with methotrexate, and even for two years after treatment with leflunomide. Women who are breastfeeding also shouldn’t use methotrexate or leflunomide during that time.
Ideally, women who have rheumatoid arthritis and would like to have children should talk to their doctor before they get pregnant. Otherwise, they should do so as soon as they find out that they are pregnant.
There is also some to suggest that methotrexate can reduce women’s and men’s while they are taking them. Sulfasalazine can reduce men’s sperm count too.
What Are The Symptoms Of Ra
Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts quite slowly and you may first notice:
- joints of your fingers, wrists or the balls of your feet become uncomfortable or tender
- swelling in your joints, which often comes and goes
- joints are affected symmetrically you will notice symptoms in the same joints on both sides of the body.
- feeling stiff when you wake up in the morning.
For some people, the disease develops very rapidly and there may be a sudden onset of pain and swelling in a lot of joints.
What Are Medical Treatments For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive inflammatory disease. This means that unless the inflammation is stopped or slowed, the condition will continue to worsen with joint destruction in most people. Although rheumatoid arthritis does occasionally go into remission without treatment, this is rare. Starting treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is strongly recommended. The best medical care combines medication and nondrug approaches.
Nondrug approaches include the following:
Drug approaches include a variety of medications used alone or in combinations.
You May Like: What Arthritis Mean
The Stages Of Arthritis
Arthritis is a common joint condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints of the body. Arthritis comes in many forms, as there are more than 100 different types of this joint disease. Because of this, the various types of arthritis follow different stages of progression.
However, most types of arthritis follow a similar progression process. Below, we highlight two of the most common arthritis types: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Is It Time To Get A Second Opinion
Its true that RA can worsen on its own. But if youre managing your medications, stress, sleep patterns, and overall routine, and are still experiencing worsening RA symptoms, its possible that you need to think about a change. The goal of prescribed RA treatments is clinical remission. This means you feel well enough that you dont have to think about your RA symptoms throughout the day.
If it seems that the medication prescribed by your doctor is becoming less effective for treating your symptoms, and you feel youve exhausted all options, it may be time to get a second opinion. Keep in mind that you should be seeing a rheumatologist or a rheumatoid arthritis specialist, not just a general practice doctor.
Living with RA is all about managing the symptoms. The following list can help you do just that:
Don’t Miss: Psoriatic Arthritis Hands Rash
What Are The Risk Factors For Osteoarthritis
In addition to age and secondary causes such as inflammatory arthritis and prior injury/ trauma, several other risk factors increase the chance of developing osteoarthritis including obesity, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, sex, and genetics.
- Obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee. In addition to overloading the weight-bearing mechanisms of the body, the metabolic and pro-inflammatory effects of obesity have been studied as contributory to osteoarthritis. Maintaining ideal body weight or losing extra weight is important for those at risk.
- Both diabetes and hyperlipidemia contribute to the inflammatory response within the body, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis. Oxidation of lipids can also create deposits in cartilage which affects affecting blood flow of subchondral bone in the same way that blood vessels are affected by atherosclerosis. Elevated blood sugars, as well as elevated cholesterol/lipids, increase free radicals within the body, this oxidative stress exceeds the resilience of cartilage on the cellular level. Controlling diabetes and hyperlipidemia is important for bone health in addition to general health.
- Heredity can play a role in osteoarthritis, as individuals born with other bone diseases or genetic traits may be more likely to develop osteoarthritis. For example, Ehlers-Danlos, which is characterized by joint laxity or hypermobility, can contribute to osteoarthritis.
Weighing The Risks Of Non
People can be resistant when it comes to the idea of taking RA medications for the rest of their lives. However, RA treatment doesnt have to be for the rest of someones life.
In fact, RA treatment depends on the progression of the disease and if patients can experience remission or low disease activity. Patients who undergo remission or low disease activity may be able to stop all or some of their medications.
And yes, treatments do have their risks. But often, the most significant risk is not treating or waiting too long to treat.
Also Check: How To Reduce Arthritis Swelling In Hands
Eliminate Excess Weight And Stress
Both physical and mental stress take their toll on your joints. If youre obese or overweight, simply losing those extra pounds takes the weight off painful, stiff joints.
Ridding yourself of mental burdens also relaxes your muscles and lets your body function more naturally and easily. Try meditation, deep breathing, and socializing to give yourself an emotional vent.
Acupuncture and massage are supportive therapies that help you relax. Each can minimize pain in your joints, too.
Ways To Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Naturally
Recommended Reading: Rheumatoid Arthritis Rash Itchy
Who Can Help With My Arthritis Pain In Michigan
If you have arthritis, its important to see an experienced and reputable orthopedic specialist for quality treatment. Your treatment plan will depend on the type of arthritis you have and the stage of the condition.
Movement Orthopedics specializes in a variety of orthopedic health issues including arthritis, and we can help you develop a customized treatment plan to help reduce symptoms as much as possible and slow down the progression of the disease when possible.
Call us today at 436-3785 to make an appointment, or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form right now. We look forward to helping you alleviate your pain and enjoy a more active lifestyle again.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: What Is It
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where the bodys immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the joints. You could develop this condition at any age however, rheumatoid arthritis usually starts in young adulthood between ages 25 and 55 and primarily affects women.
Common symptoms include:
- Morning stiffness waking up with stiff joints, often in the wrists and the base of the fingers, ankles, balls of the feet, elbows or knees
- Joint pain with warmth, swelling, tenderness and stiffness of the joint after resting
- Limited range of motion in the affected joints
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever, when having a flare
- Small, round firm bumps, called nodules, under the skin you can feel these, but they are generally painless
Also Check: Tell Me About Arthritis
Treatment Of Stage 4 Ra
After trying all medical options, surgery may be the next option for patients with stage 4 RA. Surgery may be required to repair joint damage, repair tendons, remove the synovium or nodules, separate fused joint, or replace a damaged joint.
Patients usually rely on assistive mobility devices to perform their daily tasks.
How Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Affect The Entire Body
Like many autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis typically waxes and wanes. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis experience periods when their symptoms worsen separated by periods in which the symptoms improve. With successful treatment, symptoms may even go away completely .
Although rheumatoid arthritis can have many different symptoms, joints are always affected. Rheumatoid arthritis almost always affects the joints of the hands , wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and/or feet. The larger joints, such as the shoulders, hips, and jaw, may be affected. The vertebrae of the neck are sometimes involved in people who have had the disease for many years. Usually at least two or three different joints are involved on both sides of the body, often in a symmetrical pattern. The usual joint symptoms include the following:
These symptoms may keep someone from being able to carry out normal activities. General symptoms include the following:
- Malaise
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Arthritis In Wrist
Maintain A Healthy Weight
A healthy diet can be beneficial when it comes to preventing RA. Obesity has been linked to the condition, and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce your risk of RA. Additionally, a number of vitamins and mineralsâlike vitamin D and calciumâcan help keep RA and osteoporosis from progressing.
There is also some evidence that anti-inflammatory diets can help fight RA and other inflammatory diseases. These diets typically rely on elements of vegetarian, gluten-free, and Mediterranean diets.
While these diets don’t have a significant effect on disease development or progression, eating or avoiding certain foods seems to help some patients with RA when combined with other therapies.
Key aspects of these diets include:
- Fishâmostly salmonâthree to four times each week
- Vegetarian meals with legumes one to two times each week
- Potatoes
- Five or more servings of fruit and vegetables each day
- Probiotics
- Biking
- Strength training
When you have RA, it’s important to listen to your body. Be mindful of pain, and don’t push yourself to discomfort.
The right equipment, like supportive shoes, can help you stay safe and get the greatest benefit from your efforts.
Keeping Your Joints Safe
Recommended Reading: Rheumatoid Psoriasis Skin Rash
Can Osteoarthritis Progression Be Stopped
Get advice for managing osteoarthritis, even if you can’t stop its progression.
Question: Four years ago, I was diagnosed withosteoarthritis in my right ankle. Now X-rays show OA in my spine, neck, knuckles, wrists and knees. Can you tell me what caused OA to spread this way, and is there anything I can do to stop it? Answer:
Things To Do To Stop Arthritis From Progressing
If youre over 65, odds are even that you have arthritis. It may amount to nothing more than mild stiffness in the hands or knees or may plague you with several painfully swollen, severely inflamed joints. Either way, however, it needs attention, and it can be helped.
Arthritis, which literally means inflamed joints, is as old as mankind. More than 100 different forms of the disease have been discovered, according to the Arthritis Foundation. In older adults, the three most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Scientists are beginning to understand some of the causes of the disease, which has mystified researchers for centuries. Defects in the immune system, infections, and heredity are the suspected culprits in some forms of the disease. Previous joint injuries and the natural deterioration of joints over a lifetime also make people more vulnerable.
Many people ignore arthritis or dismiss it as the aches and pains of growing older. Others swallow mouthfuls of painkillers instead of seeking medical treatment. Some try unproven remedies such as snake venom or copper bracelets.
None of these strategies, however, is really adequate. Arthritis is a progressive, potentially crippling disease that needs medical attention. Although it has no cure, with the right treatments its debilitating effects can be halted and even reversed.
Osteoarthritis: The Greatest Threat
The Role of Exercise
Weight Control
Medications
Don’t Miss: How To Help Arthritis Pain In Hands
What Happens In Ra
With continuous swelling and inflammation of your joints, the joint capsule remains stretched and can no longer hold the joint in its proper position. As a result, the joint may become unstable and this can lead to joint damage. The joints affected and the extent to which this happens varies a great deal from person to person. RA usually affects the small joints in your hands and feet, but it can affect many joints including your ankles, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, neck and shoulders. The pain, stiffness, fatigue and whole-body symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be disabling and can lead to difficulty with daily activities. Effective treatment by a rheumatologist can prevent joint damage and reduce other symptoms of RA.
Adopt A Noninflammatory Diet
You can enjoy a rich, vibrant, flavorful diet that allows you to feel full and satisfied, while simultaneously avoiding foods that promote inflammation. Inflammation is a tool that your immune system uses to attack pathogens in an acute state, such as an injury.
But chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases, including arthritis. Eliminate pro-inflammatory foods, including:
- Sugar
- Artificial sweeteners
- Processed foods
Shop the periphery of your grocery store, where all the fresh foods are kept, such as vegetables, fruits, fish, and pastured or grass-fed meats, poultry, and eggs.
Switch to the Mediterranean diet, MIND diet, or a flexible ketogenic diet to easily and deliciously increase the number of fresh, healthy foods you eat.
Don’t Miss: Muscle Arthritis Treatment
What About Juvenile Ra
It’s important to note that juvenile idiopathic arthritis , an umbrella diagnosis for several types of arthritis that affect kids and teens, is not the same as adult rheumatoid arthritis in most cases. In fact, JIA used to be called juvenile RA, but the name was changed to firmly make this distinction.
Only one type of JIA, polyarticular arthritis positive for IgM rheumatoid factor, is believed to be the same disease as adult RA.
Among the differences between JIA and RA is how they progress. And while RA is a lifelong, progressive condition without exception, some kids can “outgrow” some forms of JIA.
Given this, information you read about adult RA cannot be considered applicable to all children with JIA. It’s important that you speak with your child’s healthcare providers to learn more about what their JIA diagnosis could mean for them.
What Are Conventional Disease
When disease-modifying treatment is started, conventional DMARDs are used at first. These include:
- Methotrexate
- chloroquine
- Sulfasalazine
Methotrexate is considered to be the best tolerated of these drugs in the long term, so it is typically the first medication that is tried out. Methotrexate can be taken once a week as a tablet or injected as a solution. The dose is usually between 15 and 25 mg, depending on the person’s body weight, and it is gradually increased over the first few weeks of treatment.
The various conventional DMARDs work in different ways, and can have different effects in different people. So if one medication doesn’t help or isn’t well tolerated, other medications can be tried out.
You May Like: Ra Symptoms In Wrist