Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a serious joint disease that can also affect surrounding tissues. In all cases, rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation, pain and stiffness in affected joints. RA can appear without warning, and in some cases it disappears just as suddenly. In persistent cases, weakened joints eventually become deformed, and their function is substantially or totally impaired. RA is the most common inflammatory joint disease that doctors diagnose and treat.
Disease Process
When the synovial membrane that lines a joint becomes inflamed, the heat, swelling and pain around the joint often lead to a diagnosis of RA. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, as the disease persists, the inflammation spreads across the surface of the joint, causing the cartilage covering the ends of the bones to become thin and irregular and eventually erode. The inflammation also spreads to the joint capsule and the ligaments and tendons surrounding the joint, causing more pain and stiffness.
Diagnosis
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, doctors make the initial diagnosis of RA based on the nature and history of a patient's symptoms. X-rays of the affected joints often suggest a diagnosis of RA. A physician orders blood tests, some specific to the disease, such as a check of rheumatoid factor. In some cases, analysis of synovial fluid from the affected joint shows an increase in white blood cell count, an indication of an inflammatory condition. An examination of the synovial tissue obtained by needle biopsy can also provide telltale signs of RA.
Treatment
No cure currently exists for RA; however, treatment to relieve the symptoms, prevent joint deformity and maintain the mobility and stability of joints can help considerably. A physician may prescribe drug therapy to relieve pain and inflammation. This therapy may also cause remission of the disease. Regular exercise keeps the joints mobile and stable and improves overall physical fitness. Rest often relieves symptom flare-ups.
Surgical Intervention
If drug therapy proves unsuccessful and inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines the joint is persistent and disabling, a doctor may advise a patient with severe RA to have a synovectomy. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, this surgical procedure removes the synovial membrane as well as damaged cartilage from an affected joint. Synovectomy can improve joint symptoms and delay the progression of the disease, but it cannot cure the underlying condition. Patients may later require surgery such as joint replacement.
