Rheumatoid arthritis: a battle against pain

In this fast-paced society, people often neglect their physical health until symptoms such as pain, stiffness and fatigue appear, only then they realize the seriousness of the problem. Among them, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common chronic autoimmune disease, which is characterized by joint inflammation and joint damage, causing great pain to patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that primarily affects the synovium of the joints, causing joint inflammation, joint pain, and swelling. As the disease progresses, the joint structure is gradually destroyed, leading to joint deformity, loss of function, and disability. In addition to joint symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis may also be accompanied by other systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, and low-grade fever.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis has not yet been fully clarified, but studies have shown that multiple factors, including genetics, environmental factors, endocrine, and immune abnormalities, are involved in the occurrence and development of the disease. For patients, understanding these factors can help better prevent and control the disease.

The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis mainly relies on clinical manifestations and laboratory tests. Common laboratory tests include indicators such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor. Once diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, patients need long-term treatment and management to control the progression of the disease and relieve symptoms.

The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis mainly includes drug therapy and non-drug therapy. Drug therapy is the main treatment method, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, biological agents, etc. Non-drug treatment includes physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises and self-management. During the treatment process, patients need to follow the doctor's advice, take medicine on time, have regular check-ups, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to treatment, patients with rheumatoid arthritis also need to pay attention to the following points in their daily lives: maintain a positive and optimistic attitude, avoid excessive fatigue and mental stress; pay attention to keeping warm and avoid cold joints; maintain an appropriate amount of exercise to enhance physical fitness and immunity; eat a reasonable diet, eat more vegetables, fruits and protein-rich foods.

In the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, drug therapy is an indispensable part. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are one of the commonly used drugs, mainly used to relieve joint pain and swelling. However, long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may cause adverse reactions such as gastric ulcers and bleeding. Therefore, when using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, patients need to follow the doctor's advice and pay attention to the side effects and contraindications of the drugs.

In addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids are also one of the drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Glucocorticoids have a strong anti-inflammatory effect and can quickly relieve joint inflammation and pain. However, long-term use of glucocorticoids may lead to adverse reactions such as osteoporosis and infection. Therefore, when using glucocorticoids, patients need to strictly control the dosage and duration of use.

In recent years, biologics have been widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Biologics are drugs that target specific immune molecules and can inhibit inflammatory responses and joint damage. Commonly used biologics include anti-tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, B cell inhibitors, etc. Although biologics are effective, they are expensive and have certain side effects and contraindications. Therefore, before using biologics, patients need to fully understand the efficacy and risks of the drugs.

In addition to drug treatment, non-drug treatment is also an important part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Physical therapy can help relieve joint pain and stiffness and improve joint function. Rehabilitation exercises can improve muscle strength and endurance and improve joint stability. Self-management, including a healthy lifestyle and psychological adjustments, can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

In short, rheumatoid arthritis is a common chronic autoimmune disease that brings great pain to patients. Patients need long-term treatment and management under the guidance of doctors, while paying attention to the adjustment of their daily lifestyle. Through scientific treatment and improvement of lifestyle, patients can effectively control the development of the disease and improve their quality of life. Let us "fight" rheumatoid arthritis together and pursue a healthy and happy life!