Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory arthritis causing inflammation of the synovial membrane of the joints. As a consequence, there is damage to the joint with swelling, severe aching and throbbing joint pain, and eventually deformity. It most commonly affects the joints of hands, elbows, wrists, feet, knees, and neck.

RA affects women more commonly, generally between the ages of 40 and 60. Since, RA results in deformity; it is quite difficult to manage a case of RA.

Tests and Diagnosis:

The process of diagnosing RA begins with a thorough history and physical exam. The doctor makes note about the signs and symptoms pf the patient, and carefully examines the affected joint. This is followed by the following investigations:

1. Blood Tests: RA usually results in an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), indicating that there is inflammation present in the body. Other tests involve detecting specific antibodies of RA, including rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies in the blood. However, rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies are not positive in all cases. Moreover, they can also be seen in some other chronic infections, like active tuberculosis, and other autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as lupus and Sjogren's syndrome.

2. Joint Fluid Analysis: Synovial fluid is drawn from the joint using a fine needle. This fluid can be tested to exclude other diseases of the joints.

3. X-rays: X-rays are done to keep a track about the progression of the RA over a period of time.

Treatments:

Although there is no effective cure for RA, the aim of the treatment is to reduce inflammation of the joints, to relieve the pain, and slow progression of the damage.

Medications
Medications used in RA include:

1. NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Side effects may include ringing in your ears, gastric ulcers, heart problems, stomach bleeding, and liver and kidney damage.

2. Steroids: Corticosteroid medications, like prednisone and methylprednisolone, reduces inflammation and pain. It also slows the joint damage. Side effects comprises of bruising, thinning of bones, cataracts, weight gain, a round face and diabetes.

3. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are prescribed to limit the amount of joint damage. These drugs are given to slow the disease, and save joints from further damage; hence, they are given in the early stages

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