Rheumatoid arthritis (briefly RA), or chronic polyarthritis, is one of the most severe forms of rheumatological diseases, accompanied by intense pain. It affects approximately 80,000–100,000 people in Hungary. Although the disease may rarely regress, most patients' conditions unfortunately worsen over time. Rheumatoid arthritis can impede even the simplest daily activities.
What causes rheumatoid arthritis?
RA is a persistent inflammation affecting multiple joints simultaneously. It is three times more common in women than in men.
The exact cause is unknown. Both genetic and external factors may play a role in its development. The presence of several factors increases the likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis. When a congenital predisposition is combined with environmental and lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, use of contraceptives, stress, infections), it may pave the way for this autoimmune disease.
In rheumatoid arthritis, abnormal white blood cell activity is observed. Parts of the body's own joint—particularly the cell layer lining the joint—are "recognized" as foreign, triggering a defensive response. The body attacks its own cells and tissues (an autoimmune process), leading to inflammation and gradually destroying the joint.
During inflammation, the inner membrane lining the joint capsule becomes engorged with blood; the joints swell, stiffen, and become painful. Inflammatory enzymes then gradually destroy the articular cartilage and underlying bone.
Presentation of rheumatoid arthritis
The inflammatory process may begin slowly and gradually, with morning stiffness and painful swelling of the hand joints (symmetrically on both sides), accompanied by malaise and weight loss. However, it can also start abruptly with severe pain, fever, and swelling of the small joints of the hands and feet, as well as the wrists, knees, shoulders, and ankles, sometimes causing inflammation so severe it impairs walking.
It is important to consult a doctor as soon as you experience these symptoms. Although current medical knowledge holds that rheumatoid arthritis is not curable, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can keep the disease under control and preserve quality of life.
Lifestyle recommendations
As mentioned above, rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, but there are several methods to properly manage it—and there are devices available that patients can use themselves to alleviate pain associated with the disease.
In addition to the medication prescribed by your physician, it is important to
- engage in regular exercise to mobilize your joints;
- maintain an ideal body weight, as excess weight places additional strain on the joints;
- when the inflammation is in a resting phase, warm therapy and hot mud or paraffin treatments on the joints are very beneficial, as heat can reduce pain and relax the ligaments and muscles around the joints;
- in cases of acute flare-ups, cooling the inflamed joints can relieve pain and muscle spasms.
Home treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatism causes almost constant pain. However, patients can confidently rely on modern medical technology options. Home physiotherapy devices help improve quality of life.
- The TENS devices and microcurrent devices use mild electrical impulses to achieve pain relief that can last for hours;
- paraffin therapy is very effective in reducing rheumatic small-joint pain;
- the ultrasound therapy devices provide anti-inflammatory effects to alleviate pain, and they also warm the joint and relax the ligaments. After 10–15 treatments, a break of a few months is recommended.
- the soft laser therapy devices have potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. They support joint regeneration. Soft laser therapy is one of the primary choices for treating rheumatism.
