Do you often wake up with stiffness around the joints, especially in the morning? Do you feel an ache in your knees, or does it swell or become warm to the touch? Many individuals associate joint discomfort with normal ageing and see themselves as healthy despite the pain.
Well, consistent soreness in the joints is a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disorder that has become a growing concern among individuals.
If you are suffering from frequent joint aches and are still not aware of rheumatoid arthritis, this blog will help you know its warning signs, stages, and available rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Kolkata to help you manage the condition effectively.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic (ongoing) autoimmune condition that causes swelling, stiffness, and pain around the lining of the joints. It is a disorder that is characterised by inflammation in the synovium, the soft tissue that lines the joints, leading to damage and reduced mobility.
Uncontrolled inflammation gradually damages the cartilage that cushions the joints. When left untreated, the bones eventually start to erode, resulting in permanent disability.
Studies show that rheumatoid arthritis can happen at any age. But mostly it is seen in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60 years and is quite predominant in females. In addition to affecting the joint, it can impact other parts of the body, such as the lungs, heart, eyes, and skin.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects individuals in different ways. For some individuals, the symptoms develop over the years, while in others, the condition progresses rapidly. Moreover, many patients experience severe symptoms (flares) followed by little or no symptoms, a phase known as remission.
Here are some of the common warning signs.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually advances through different stages, says a reputed doctor of rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Kolkata, Dr. Amitabha Saha.
Stage 1 or early phase: There is inflammation in the joints, due to which the tissue swells up. Here, patients experience stiffness and pain in the joints, but it goes away with movement.
Stage 2 or moderate phase: Here, the synovium’s inflammation worsens and damages the joint cartilages. Movement becomes painful with reduced mobility and limited range of motion.
Stage 3 or severe phase: In this stage, bone destruction begins, and the cushions between the bones wear away. Some individuals start to see physical changes as well.
Stage 4 or end-stage: At this stage, the inflammation around the joints stops, but the joints keep getting worse. Here, people suffer from severe pain, swelling, stiffness, and mobility loss, along with lower muscle strength.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Kolkata involves a combination of the following.
Rheumatoid arthritis is frustrating and interferes with our daily activities. However, with the right care and rheumatoid treatment in Kolkata, patients can still enjoy a pain-free life. Always ensure you consult an experienced doctor, such as Dr. Amitabha Saha, for expert advice.