Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the joints. It causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. At Njinsky Medical Centre, experts professionally treat patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. We go above and beyond to identify the condition in a timely manner and help protect joint function.
At Njinsky, you get advanced regenerative medicine treatment options to get rid of this type of arthritis. Stem cell therapy for arthritis is standing out for providing promising results. Before making any decision, it’s important to understand this condition in detail.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Medical Definition
What is rheumatoid arthritis? It’s an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. The main target is the synovium, the thin lining of the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, this lining becomes inflamed, causing swelling, pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Chronic inflammation may cause cartilage and bone damage. The tendons and ligaments around the joint can also be affected. The condition typically affects the same joints on both sides of the body, including the:
- Hands
- Wrists
- Feet
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Sometimes, areas outside the joints, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes
The exact rheumatoid arthritis causes are not fully known. Several factors can increase the risk of developing the condition. These include:
- Genetic factors
- Family history
- Smoking and obesity
- Certain environmental exposures
- Female sex and hormonal factors
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis involves several immune and inflammatory processes. The immune system becomes activated against the joint tissues, and immune cells enter the synovial tissue. This causes persistent inflammation, and the synovium thickens as more inflammatory cells and new blood vessels develop in the area.
Inflammatory substances can then damage cartilage and bone, and continued inflammation may cause permanent structural changes. One important feature of this process is the formation of abnormal inflammatory tissue, known as pannus.
Pannus Rheumatoid Arthritis
Pannus rheumatoid arthritis refers to abnormal inflammatory tissue that develops from the inflamed synovium. The pannus can grow over the surface of cartilage and contribute to cartilage destruction and bone erosion.
This process can reduce joint movement and lead to deformity in advanced disease. Doctors can use imaging to detect these changes, and ultrasound and MRI provide detailed information on inflammation and structural damage.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
The rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can vary between patients. Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain
- Joint swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
- Joint tenderness
- Warmth around the joints
- Reduced movement
- Reduced grip strength
- Fatigue
- Low energy
- Reduced appetite
- Mild fever
- Unexplained weight loss
Rheumatoid Arthritis Nodules
Rheumatoid arthritis nodules are firm lumps that can develop beneath the skin. They commonly appear over pressure points, and the elbows are a common location. Nodules are more common in people who test positive for rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies, and they are often associated with long-standing or more severe disease.
A healthcare professional should always assess a new lump, because not every lump is a rheumatoid nodule. Doctors may consider the patient’s symptoms and other clinical findings. Additional tests may be required.
Stages
What are the 4 stages of rheumatoid arthritis? A traditional classification describes four stages. These stages are mainly based on joint changes and radiographic findings.
Stage | General features |
Stage 1 | Inflammation is present. Major structural damage may not yet be visible. |
Stage 2 | Cartilage damage and early bone changes may develop. |
Stage 3 | More significant cartilage loss and bone erosion can occur. |
Stage 4 | Severe joint damage can cause major loss of movement and function, and the joints may become fused (ankylosis). |
Diagnosis
Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis requires a complete medical assessment. There is no single test that can confirm rheumatoid arthritis in every patient. Doctors usually assess:
- Symptoms
- Joint examination
- Medical history
- Blood tests
- Inflammatory markers
- Autoantibodies
- Imaging findings
- Duration of symptoms
Criteria
The classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis are used to identify patients with definite disease, mainly for research and to support diagnosis. The 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria apply to patients with at least one swollen joint that is not better explained by another condition. They assess four areas, each of which is scored, and a total score of 6 or more out of 10 indicates definite rheumatoid arthritis.
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Radiology
Rheumatoid arthritis radiology can help doctors evaluate joint damage. Different imaging methods provide different information.
X-Ray
X-rays are commonly used to assess structural changes. They may show:
- Joint-space narrowing
- Bone erosions
- Changes in alignment
- Advanced joint destruction
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can detect inflammation around the joints. It may show:
- Synovitis
- Joint fluid
- Tendon inflammation
- Increased blood flow
- Some bone erosions
MRI
MRI provides detailed images of joints and surrounding tissues. It can detect inflammation within the joint. It can also identify changes in the bone and soft tissues, and it can show some inflammatory changes before they are visible on conventional X-rays. The most appropriate imaging technique depends on the clinical findings and symptoms.
Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment aims to control inflammation, protect the joints, and maintain mobility, ideally achieving remission or low disease activity. Treatment should be personalized.
Disease-Modifying Medicines
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a cornerstone of treatment.
DMARDs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
DMARDs for rheumatoid arthritis can help slow disease progression. Common conventional DMARDs include:
- Methotrexate
- Leflunomide
- Sulfasalazine
- Hydroxychloroquine
Methotrexate is usually the first DMARD prescribed. Biologic DMARDs (such as TNF inhibitors) and targeted synthetic DMARDs (such as JAK inhibitors) may be added or used instead in suitable patients. Short courses of corticosteroids or NSAIDs may also be used to relieve symptoms, but they do not replace DMARDs. The appropriate medicine depends on the patient’s condition. Some medicines require regular blood tests. Patients should follow their doctor’s monitoring plan. Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without medical advice.
Stem Cell Therapy
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field of medicine, and stem cell therapy for arthritis is one such approach. It has attracted interest because of its potential for tissue repair. It’s also being investigated for its ability to modulate inflammatory processes. However, research is still ongoing, and stem cell therapy is not yet a standard treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
At Njinsky Medical Centre, we recognize the growing role of regenerative medicine in musculoskeletal care. Stem cell-based treatments may offer potential benefits for carefully selected patients. The goal may be to support joint health and improve symptoms. Potential treatment goals may include:
- Supporting joint tissue
- Promoting a healthier joint environment
- Supporting the body’s natural repair processes
- Helping manage joint discomfort
- Supporting mobility
- Improving daily function
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis needs early diagnosis and personalized care to control inflammation and protect joint health. At Njinsky Medical Centre, we assess each patient to develop a suitable treatment approach. Stem cell therapy for arthritis may offer a regenerative option for selected patients after careful medical evaluation. Feel free to get in touch with expert consultants for the right diagnosis and promising treatment of arthritis.
