Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. “If you have rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system incorrectly sends antibodies to the lining of your joints, where they attack the material around the joint,” the NHS explained. symptoms more likely to pass on to others.
Research published in the journal British Society for Rheumatology sought to determine the course of symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis were subsequently interviewed to discuss their initial experiences prior to diagnosis, using a specific assessment form.
The first section of the form focused on the initial symptoms and behaviors of seeking help from the patients.
Among 94 patients, pain (97 percent), swelling (73 percent) and stiffness (52 percent), mostly in multiple joints, were reported as symptoms of primary rheumatoid arthritis.
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The researchers also identified the “frequently reported causes” of participants visiting a healthcare professional.
The most common cause was severe pain (90.4 percent), followed by difficulties in performing daily activities (69 percent).
What to expect from a GP appointment
The NHS explains: “A GP will carry out a physical examination, check your joints for any swelling and find out how easily they move. The GP will also ask you about the your symptoms. “
According to the health agency, it is important to tell your GP about all your symptoms, not just the ones you think are important, as this will help them to make the right diagnosis.
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“If your GP thinks you have rheumatoid arthritis, they will refer you to a specialist (rheumatologist).”
Can rheumatoid arthritis be treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis but it can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve pain, and prevent or slow down joint damage.
Much of this can be achieved by changing your lifestyle.
According to the Mayo Clinic, plant-based diets rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fat, sodium and processed foods, may help reduce the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. .
“But most research studies that supported this benefit were poorly designed, or relied on the test subjects’ memories of what they ate, which could be flawed,” the health agency notes.
The benefits can be an indirect result of weight loss motivated by eating healthier, he adds.
Losing weight can reduce the severity of arthritis symptoms by reducing pressure on the joints.
Exercise can promote weight loss while also providing direct benefits for the management of arthritis.
Research shows that exercise helps relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and improves daily activity.
“Stretching is one of the best ways to reduce stiffness and maintain range of motion, and should be part of every exercise program,” advises the Arthritis Foundation (AF).
The health group advises starting with a three to five minute warm-up – you can march in place and pump your arms either sitting or standing.
“Then stretch and hold different muscles and joints for 10 to 20 seconds before releasing them,” he says.