The branch of medicine that deals with painful, typically inflammatory or infectious conditions of the joints and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.
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The seven diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) defined in 1987 and tracked in all clinical trials.
- Intra- and peri-articular morning stiffness lasting at least 1 hour before maximal improvement
- Physician-observed soft tissue swelling in 3 or more joint areas
- swelling of the proximal interphalangeal joints, metacarpophalangeal joints, or wrist joints (arthritis)
- symmetrical joint swelling
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Presence of rheumatoid factor in blood test
- Radiological erosions and peri-articular osteopenia in the hand and/or wrist joints
The first His 4 criteria must be present for at least 6 weeks.
The 1987 diagnostic criteria are no longer used because they fail to identify early-stage RA patients. Delayed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis leads to delayed treatment and subsequent worsening of symptoms.
The seven diagnostic criteria have been superseded by the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League for Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification criteria that uses a scoring system to assess signs and symptoms of disease.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that typically affects three or more joints. Early signs and symptoms are similar to many other diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis, gout, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, diagnosing RA in its early stages can be difficult.
Your doctor will first do a careful physical examination and analyze your medical history.
To see if you have a medical condition, you need several tests, including:
- Positive test for rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. RF tests are positive in 70-80% of RA patients.
- High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) or ESR.
- To properly diagnose the condition, RA symptoms must have lasted at least 6 weeks.
Your doctor will also check for signs and symptoms of other diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, polyarticular gout or calcium pyrophosphate disease, SLE. You can check the RA diagnosis of your doctor may recommend x-rays to see how rheumatoid arthritis affects your joints over time. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound scans help doctors determine the severity of a physical condition.
Seronegative RA
If your blood tests are negative for both RF and Ant-CCP, but you have no findings, signs, or symptoms of other illnesses, your doctor may diagnose you with seronegative RA.
Recent RA
If your symptoms are suggestive of RA and are severe but have been present for less than 6 weeks, the condition may be diagnosed based on findings characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis, including anti-CCP. Yes, excluding the possibility of other diseases.
How can I treat rheumatoid arthritis naturally?
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but new drugs and treatments can slow its progression and prevent it from getting worse.
Many Ways to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis Naturally
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that requires a trained practitioner. There are no specific studies on the effects of acupuncture on RA, but limited studies have reported that it reduces a number of chemicals that cause inflammation.
Biofeedback therapy:
Biofeedback therapy includes techniques to control automatic responses such as heart rate and blood pressure. Your therapist will teach you stress management techniques to help prevent RA attacks (relapses) and relieve pain.
Massage:
Massage can relieve pain. Massage therapy by a trained massage therapist may help people who have had acute rheumatoid arthritis for a long time.
Exercise:
Regular exercise helps strengthen the muscles near the affected joint. A physical therapist can guide you to make sure you’re following the correct technique.
Heat:
Heat relaxes muscles and stimulates blood flow. You can use a damp heating pad, warm damp towels, a microwaveable heating pad, a hot shower, or a hot tub.
Cold:
The cold has an anesthetic effect that reduces pain and swelling. He uses the ice pack for 15 minutes at a time, with a 30-minute break in between.
Current ointment:
Most ointments are made from capsaicin, which is found in chili peppers. Applying it to the affected joints can help ease the pain of RA.
Passive muscle relaxation:
This includes tensing and relaxing all muscles, from your face to your feet. Breathe in when you contract and exhale when you relax.
Tai Chi:
Tai Chi is a slow and gentle martial art. It is not known if it helps relieve symptoms of RA, but it may help improve strength, flexibility and balance.
Turmeric:
Also known as turmeric, this herb blocks proteins that cause inflammation and reduce pain.
Deep breath:
Deep belly breathing helps calm the mind and relax the muscles.
Meditation:
Focusing on your breathing can distract you from pain and other symptoms.
Visualization technology:
This can help relieve stress and includes closing your eyes, taking deep breaths, and imagining yourself in a peaceful place.
Yoga:
Yoga is good for the mind and body, increasing flexibility and reducing joint pain.
Aromatherapy:
Aromatherapy may not have a direct effect on inflammation or pain, but it can help improve mood.
Fish oil:
Some studies have shown that fish oil supplements reduce stiffness and pain associated with RA. Because fish oil has side effects and can interfere with other medications, consult your doctor before using. Please consult with
Vegetable oil:
The oils in the seeds of some plants, such as evening primrose and black currant, contain fatty acids that help relieve the pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis. These oils can cause side effects and interfere with other medications, so consult your doctor before using them. It is important to remember that these home remedies are not meant to replace traditional medicine, including medication.
