Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body believes the linings of the joints are foreign tissue, and it attacks and damages them, causing joint pain and damage throughout your body. It affects more than 180 million people in India; the prevalence is higher than many well-known diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, and cancer.

Medicircle presents ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness series in which we are featuring eminent rheumatology specialists, and doctors treating RA to help raise awareness about the chronic disease and clear misconceptions about it.

Dr. Shashank Akerkar is a Consultant Rheumatologist at Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai. He is also associated with the Mumbai Arthritis Clinic & Research Centre. Dr. Shashank is an expert Rheumatologist with experience of more than a decade.

Fortis Healthcare Limited – an IHH Healthcare Berhad Company – is a leading integrated healthcare services provider in India. It is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the country with 36 healthcare facilities (including projects under development).

Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects joint linings, causing painful swelling over long periods of time. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity. Hence it is very crucial for one to recognize the signs and symptoms, as well as take prompt action by visiting a doctor. Dr. Shashank explains, ‘‘RA is an autoimmune ailment. Autoimmune means that our own immunity starts thinking that the joints are foreign & starts attacking the joints. This leads to inflammation & swelling in the joints.  

The earliest symptom of RA is pain & swelling in the joints. This generally starts in the joints of the hands and feet. It can cause swelling of the large joints like the knee, ankle, shoulder as well.  

One also has a lot of stiffness in the joints on getting up in the morning. 

The inflammation in the joints leads to fatigue & feverish feeling in a few. 

In case you have pain/ swelling in any joint, you should consult a rheumatologist as soon as possible. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis. Inflammation in the joints is akin to a house on fire. It is always better to act early to avoid damage to the joints,’’ he says. 

Balanced and Anti-Inflammatory Diet is Helpful 

There is no specific diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but research indicates that sources of food that form the Mediterranean diets like, olive oil, fish, green veggies and other food sources that lessen irritation all through your body can diminish pain and swelling in your joints. 

Dr. Shashank states, ‘‘There are three things that can help control RA- 

1. Medicines 

2. Physiotherapy 

3. Diet

 A balanced & anti-inflammatory diet can definitely help reduce the inflammation of RA,’’ he says.

 RA Can Be Conquered

There is a lot of research taking place for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis, however, no specific cure has been found to date. One must find out best multiple ways to reduce discomfort and manage pain in this chronic condition. Dr. Shashank explains ‘‘We have effective therapy available for RA. There are two groups of medications,

 

DMARDs, biologics Steroids & painkillers are used but only in the initial part of therapy. 

 

There is no role for these in the long run. This is contrary to the popular myth that only steroids & painkillers are available for RA. DMARDs are specific anti-arthritis medicines that help heal RA. They are effective & help control RA in a majority of patients. In case they do not provide complete relief, biological medicines are available as well. In today's age, one can definitely conquer his/ her RA,’’ he says.

Need for Early Detection 

Joint damage is the ultimate issue for patients with RA. Early diagnosis along with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs are much needed to lessen the effect of the disease on a person’s joints. Dr. Shashank stresses the need for early detection as ‘‘RA affects approximately 1% of the population. Studies have shown that early detection & treatment can help control the disease faster, avoid damage to the joints. Time often gets wasted in diagnosis & getting the correct medications. Never underestimate RA as what seems trivial to begin with has the potential to disrupt one's life, job & family in the long run if not taken care of. One should see a rheumatologist as early as possible. Early treatment may not reduce the number of RA patients in the country but would mean less suffering & a better life to the affected,’’ he says.

(Edited by Faryal Siddiqui)