The term arthritis encompasses all those rheumatic diseases in which the process causes joint inflammation. This involves joint symptoms such as swelling, redness, increased skin temperature, pain and limitation in the affected joints, as well as other general signs such as fever, tiredness, loss of appetite or weight loss.
While rheumatoid arthritis is, therefore, an autoimmune rheumatic disease, of unknown cause, that inflames the joints and the tissues that surround them, although it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, blood vessels , the heart and lungs, usually when the pathology is already established.
The cause of arthritis is not well understood, but it is known to be an autoimmune disorder; that is, the immune system itself attacks the cells and tissues of the body.
Although, as we mentioned, the exact reason why this happens is unknown, there are risk factors that increase the probability of developing this disease. They can be of two types:
Genetic factors: it appears that certain genes are linked to the origin of rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, having relatives - parents, siblings, grandparents ... - who have suffered or suffer from this pathology increases the risk of suffering from it. But we must know that these factors predispose, but do not determine the appearance of the disease.
Non-genetic factors: they can be very diverse, from suffering variations in female hormones -estrogens-, to having suffered infections caused by certain viruses or bacteria -although this link has not been clearly established-, smoking or an excess of stress or obesity, among others.
Although arthritis today has no cure, there are very effective treatments that allow the symptoms to be controlled. It is a wide variety of drugs, which are often used in combination and for long periods of time. In this sense, there are several possibilities:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen: they reduce pain, inflammation and stiffness of the joints, but they do not prevent their destruction or stop the disease. They are usually used in the initial stages or during periods of exacerbation.
Glucocorticoids: they are derivatives of cortisone, which can be used in the initial phases of arthritis or in the worsening periods, although for the shortest possible time, due to their side effects.
Treatment of the joints: if they continue to be inflamed, they can be treated with infiltrations or, if the joint is severely damaged, with special orthopedic material. Physiotherapy (application of heat, electrical stimulation or local cold) can also be used as a complement.
Surgery: if the disease is very advanced and the joints are very deteriorated, orthopedic or restorative surgery may be necessary. Arthroscopy - in which a tube connected to a camera is inserted into the joint - and synovectomy - removal of the joint lining - are some of the most common. Arthroplasty, which is the replacement of the joint by a prosthesis, is used when the joint - mainly in the knees and hips - is already seriously compromised. There are other surgical techniques depending on the severity of the affectation and its location.
