Question

Select a disorder or problem: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Describe in detail why this is a problem?

How does it affect the patient, and what are several treatments and is there a way to measure progress?

Answer 1

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the body. The body's immune system attack by its own tissues. It mostly affects the joints of the feet, hands, ankles, knees, wrists, and elbow.

Cause:

The exact cause is unknown. Sometimes autoimmune disorder runs in families. The inflammation occurred by bacteria or virus for a prolonged period of time also leads to RA.

Pathophysiology:

The genetic disorder, bacteria or virus attacks the body's immune system. Then it attacks the lining membrane of joints called synovium. The antibodies make the synovium thicken, destroy the cartilages, and affects the joints. The tendon and ligament become weaken cause pain and stiffness on the joint.

Disease Progression:

Stage 1: Inflammation and swelling of joint capsule.

Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Stage 2: Moderate stage where the synovial tissue becomes severe and damage the cartilage.

Symptoms include decreased range of motion, loss of mobility.

Stage 3: Severe stage. The disease extends into the bone.

Symptoms include loss of muscle strength and physical deformity of joints.

Stage 4: End stage. The function has been completely ceased.

Treatment:

• There is no complete cure for RA.
• The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation, relieve pain, minimize the loss of joint damage.
• Medication such as NSAIDs, corticosteroids are used to reduce the pain and inflammation of the joints.
• The diet helps to manage the disease condition.
• Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants help to reduce the inflammation.
• Fiber-rich foods help to reduce CRP.
• Surgery is rarely done to increase the mobility of joint function by replacing the joint damage.