Symptoms Rheumatoid arthritis

Definition

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic disease, but it mainly involves the joints. It is an autoimmune inflammatory disease; means that the immune system, in charge of the defense of the organism, activates an abnormal response and develops an inflammatory reaction at the joint level. Initially, the target is the synovial membrane that lines the joints and produces synovial fluid, necessary for lubricating and nourishing the articular cartilage. The inflammation, therefore, damages the cartilage causing its erosion and, later, involves the bone and the surrounding tissues. They result in pain and deformities that limit the ability to perform normal daily activities.

Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can also involve other organs and systems, such as skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood vessels and kidneys.

The causes that cause the disease are still unknown, however various factors have been identified that can contribute to its onset. Today it is known that there is a genetic predisposition associated with environmental factors (eg bacterial or viral infections).

Rheumatoid arthritis mainly affects women and occurs mostly between 35 and 50 years.

Most common symptoms and signs *

Ankylosis
Anorexia
Aortite
Asthenia
Muscular atrophy
Increase in the ESR
Dry mouth
Swollen arms
Cardiomegaly
Swollen ankles
coxalgia
Hammer finger
Neck pain
Knee pain
Elbow pain
Heel pain
Hip pain
Hand and wrist pain
Arm pain
Pain associated with chewing
Back pain
Articolar pains
Muscle pains
Eosinophilia
erythromelalgia
Temperature
Tingling in the right arm
Tingling in the Left Arm
Tingling in the right hand
Tingling in the hands
Tingling in the legs
Joint swelling
Insomnia
Muscular hypotrophy
Tearing
Leukopenia
Livedo Reticularis
Backache
Metatarsalgia
Multiple pulmonary nodules
Nodule
Solitary pulmonary nodule
osteophytes
Osteopenia
Weight loss
pneumothorax
Rheumatism
Joint stiffness
Articular noises
Eye dryness
Raynaud's syndrome
Spinal stenosis
Bone swelling
Nails with vertical lines
Articular Pouring
Pericardial effusion
Pleural effusion

Further indications

The characteristic symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, morning stiffness and swelling of the affected joints, with limited movement and function. Stiffness is more intense in the morning when you wake up and can last an hour or more. The most commonly affected joints are those of the fingers and toes, wrists, ankles and knees; the involvement of shoulders, elbows and vertebral column is rarer. The joints are typically symmetrically inflamed (the disease affects the same joints on both sides of the body). The progressive destruction of the articular structures is followed by symptoms external to the affected joint, indicative of a systemic involvement of the disease; these include fatigue, muscle soreness, loss of appetite, dry eyes and mouth, low fever and general malaise. Furthermore, under the skin of the elbows, hands and feet, small bumps develop, called rheumatoid nodules. In severe rheumatoid arthritis, visceral nodules can also arise, usually asymptomatic, especially in the lung.

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on specific clinical criteria and on instrumental and laboratory tests. In particular, patients must present morning joint stiffness (for a time equal to or greater than 1 hour), symmetrical arthritis, rheumatoid nodules, positivity for rheumatoid factor, joint erosions or presence of bone decalcification.

There is currently no definitive cure for this disease, however there are drugs, physical therapies, and, sometimes, surgical interventions that can reduce symptoms and prevent the appearance of permanent damage. The drugs used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are of different types: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids for immediate relief from symptoms; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, salazopirin, cyclosporin, azathioprine, etc.) to achieve long-term control of rheumatoid arthritis and slow progression.