Rheumatoid Arthritis affecting youngsters
Experts say that there has been a steady rise in the number of youngsters suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), with incidences of cases being reported on a daily basis.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon Dr Hitesh Kubadia says that RA is not an inherited disease. "Researchers believe that some people have genes that make them susceptible to the disease. Those with these genes will not automatically develop rheumatoid arthritis. There is usually a 'trigger,' such as an infection (often viral infection) or environmental factor, which activates the genes. When the body is exposed to this trigger, the immune system responds inappropriately and instead of protecting the joint, begins to produce substances that attack the joint. This is what may lead to the development of RA," he says.
Causes:
- Dr Parul R Sheth, a health consultant specialising in reproductive biology says that RA is an autoimmune disease in which for an unknown reason, your immune system attacks the lining of membranes that surround your joints resulting in destruction of cartilage and bone within the joint. "Mutated genes may make you more susceptible to the disease. You can be more prone to RA if you are a woman. Family history, cold temperatures, humidity, or certain foods such as meat, foods containing saturated fat etc. can all trigger the disease," she says.
Treatment
Experts say there is no cure for RA but medication can reduce joint inflammation, relieve pain and slow or prevent the joint damage. "Occupational and physical therapy can help protect joints from further damage. Certain exercises can keep your joints flexible. In case medications or other treatment procedures fail, one may require surgery such as joint fusion or tendon repair or total joint replacement. You can try fish oil supplements to reduce pain and stiffness but talk to your doctor before taking them. Exercises can ease your symptoms, especially Tai Chi, which involves exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Ginger, green tea and turmeric are known to help. One should also try eliminating foods that may be triggering your symptoms," advises Dr Sheth.
"The aim of treatment is to attain remission. A treatment plan is tailored to suit a patient's needs and lifestyle. Usually, a team, of experts is involved. These include rheumatologists, physical and occupational therapists and orthopaedic surgeons. Juvenile RA is known to have genetically complex traits in which multiple genes are important for disease onset and manifestations, and it is characterised by arthritis that begins before the age of 16 years, persists for more than six weeks, and is of unknown origin," adds Dr Kubadia.
Winter worsens symptoms
- While the exact reason for this is unknown, it is believed that the change in atmospheric pressure tends to produce changes in the joints and tissues fluid balance, causing them to stiffen and cause pain. "A lot of the rheumatic conditions I treat become worse with a sedentary lifestyle — a condition that is more prevalent in the winter months. Many people lead a less active lifestyle and are feel low. This causes a subtle laziness to creep in and their joints tend to stiffen up. Cold weather tends to create lifestyle conditions that can lead to arthritic symptoms. To ease discomfort, the simplest advise is to get moving. Outdoor activities, indoor exercise and staying motivated to continue being active are important aspects. Also, maintaining hydration levels is as important as is in summer, for with every breath you breathe out, water droplets get exhaled from your system," ends Dr Kubadia.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon Dr Hitesh Kubadia says that RA is not an inherited disease. "Researchers believe that some people have genes that make them susceptible to the disease. Those with these genes will not automatically develop rheumatoid arthritis. There is usually a 'trigger,' such as an infection (often viral infection) or environmental factor, which activates the genes. When the body is exposed to this trigger, the immune system responds inappropriately and instead of protecting the joint, begins to produce substances that attack the joint. This is what may lead to the development of RA," he says.
Causes:
- Dr Parul R Sheth, a health consultant specialising in reproductive biology says that RA is an autoimmune disease in which for an unknown reason, your immune system attacks the lining of membranes that surround your joints resulting in destruction of cartilage and bone within the joint. "Mutated genes may make you more susceptible to the disease. You can be more prone to RA if you are a woman. Family history, cold temperatures, humidity, or certain foods such as meat, foods containing saturated fat etc. can all trigger the disease," she says.
Treatment
Experts say there is no cure for RA but medication can reduce joint inflammation, relieve pain and slow or prevent the joint damage. "Occupational and physical therapy can help protect joints from further damage. Certain exercises can keep your joints flexible. In case medications or other treatment procedures fail, one may require surgery such as joint fusion or tendon repair or total joint replacement. You can try fish oil supplements to reduce pain and stiffness but talk to your doctor before taking them. Exercises can ease your symptoms, especially Tai Chi, which involves exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Ginger, green tea and turmeric are known to help. One should also try eliminating foods that may be triggering your symptoms," advises Dr Sheth.
"The aim of treatment is to attain remission. A treatment plan is tailored to suit a patient's needs and lifestyle. Usually, a team, of experts is involved. These include rheumatologists, physical and occupational therapists and orthopaedic surgeons. Juvenile RA is known to have genetically complex traits in which multiple genes are important for disease onset and manifestations, and it is characterised by arthritis that begins before the age of 16 years, persists for more than six weeks, and is of unknown origin," adds Dr Kubadia.
Winter worsens symptoms
- While the exact reason for this is unknown, it is believed that the change in atmospheric pressure tends to produce changes in the joints and tissues fluid balance, causing them to stiffen and cause pain. "A lot of the rheumatic conditions I treat become worse with a sedentary lifestyle — a condition that is more prevalent in the winter months. Many people lead a less active lifestyle and are feel low. This causes a subtle laziness to creep in and their joints tend to stiffen up. Cold weather tends to create lifestyle conditions that can lead to arthritic symptoms. To ease discomfort, the simplest advise is to get moving. Outdoor activities, indoor exercise and staying motivated to continue being active are important aspects. Also, maintaining hydration levels is as important as is in summer, for with every breath you breathe out, water droplets get exhaled from your system," ends Dr Kubadia.
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