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    World Autoimmune Arthritis Day: Don't let pain dominate your life. Early treatment, lifestyle changes are key

    Synopsis

    Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1 in 100 Indians.

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    Rheumatoid arthritis, which is a type of autoimmune arthritis, affects women more than men between the age group of 30 and 60.
    By Dr Chethana D

    Joint pains and back pain are few of the very common ailments people experience. However, it becomes a disabling condition if the symptoms become chronic.

    Arthritis has a big impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide. It affects them physically, emotionally and socially as well. It is important to diagnose and treat the condition early before arthritis takes the upper hand.

    Arthritis occurs when joint inflammation causes pain and stiffness. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which is due to wear and tear of joints and commonly affects knees, hips and low back. The other type of arthritis is inflammatory arthritis, which comes under the purview of a rheumatologist. This group includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and many more.

    Rheumatoid arthritis, which is a type of autoimmune arthritis, affects women more than men between the age group of 30 and 60. Genetic, environmental factors and smoking play a role in this autoimmune disease. About 1 in 100 people are affected by rheumatoid arthritis in India.
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    Treatment should be initiated under the guidance of a rheumatologist as early as 6 to 8 weeks of symptom onset.

    Person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis experiences symptoms like pain in multiple joints, especially hands, wrists, feet and knees lasting for more than 4 to 6 weeks. There may be swelling in the joints, and typically severe early morning joint stiffness. Fatigue and feverishness commonly accompany as well. Treatment should be initiated under the guidance of a rheumatologist as early as 6 to 8 weeks of symptom onset, to be able to get a good hold on the condition.

    The treatment is usually long-term, and includes medications called disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. They may require simple pain killers or a short course of steroids when they are going through a flare up. For people with very severe arthritis, biologic drugs are given in the form of tablets, injections or intravenous route. There is targeted treatment that halt joint destruction. Apart from medications, adapting a healthy lifestyle that includes working out regularly, quitting smoking, eating healthy and maintaining an ideal weight are important.

    The outlook for people with rheumatoid arthritis is improving everyday with the advent of new and more effective medications. It is possible to lead a normal active life by taking regular medications and making necessary lifestyle changes. The key is to start treatment early and take it regularly.

    (The author is Consultant - Rheumatology at Aster CMI Hospital)


    (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of www.economictimes.com.)

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