New, sophisticated treatments
are reducing and eliminating
pain from rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatism. At some point, each of us has heard the term used by our parents, grandparents or even Granny Clampett from television’s The Beverly Hillbillies. However, rheumatism, the catchall term for joint pain, and the actual disease rheumatoid arthritis, are not the same.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and even deformity in the joints. RA is caused when the body’s immune system, which is supposed to protect us from harm, malfunctions and attacks our joints. If left untreated, RA will ultimately destroy the joints and cause permanent disability.
Joints can lose cartilage and calcium, as well as become dysfunctional and not work well. People with RA can also experience swelling and discomfort throughout their bodies. As a result, many people feel tired and become inactive, leading to obesity and related conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. Further, being overweight puts excess stress on the knees and hips, making it even more difficult to move around.
There is no cure for RA. However, those with the disorder are no longer subjected to the lifetime of pain and joint deterioration that our grandparents experienced. In the last several years, treatments have become much more sophisticated and effective. In fact, when the disorder is caught early, RA sufferers can lead active, pain-free lives. Very powerful pain relievers and antiinflammatory medications are often used to enable people to remain active. Over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as steroids that are injected into the joints, can provide immediate relief while doctors address the cause of the RA.
Many RA medications weaken certain aspects of the immune system, so it is unable or less able to attack the joints. These immunosuppressive medications are much like the ones used during chemotherapy or those that help prevent the rejection of organs during transplants.
Many RA medications weaken certain aspects of the immune system, so it is unable or less able to attack the joints. These immunosuppressive medications are much like the ones used during chemotherapy or those that help prevent the rejection of organs during transplants.
At MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, many advances are available to treat RA, including drugs that change how the immune system works to prevent it from attacking the joints. Every few months, new drugs and targeted therapies become available that can be very effective in treating RA.
The goals of the rheumatologists at MedStar Georgetown are to control inflammation and keep people who have RA active. If the disorder destroys the joints, the hospital’s rheumatologists and orthopaedic surgeons work together to help restore function. Additionally, the hospital provides a physical medicine and rehabilitation program for people who have had joint replacements or whose pain related inactivity has caused them to become weak.
Today, many people who develop RA can lead more active lives.
Arthritis: What a Pain!
There are four main categories of arthritic conditions that cause joint pain, swelling and stiffness. All of them have different causes and treatment medications.
1. Mechanical arthritis
The most common type of mechanical arthritis is osteoarthritis or aging joints. Medications used to treat osteoarthritis are those that reduce pain in the affected joints.
2. Inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joints. The most common inflammatory arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are other types of autoimmune-related arthritis, including juvenile arthritis, lupus and psoriasis. Medications are used to control the pain and reduce swelling and stiffening, along with other drugs intended to either suppress the immune system or block its response.
3. Arthritis caused by mineral or crystal buildup
When crystals or minerals build up in the body, they can lead to arthritic conditions. The most common of these is gout, which occurs when the body has too much uric acid. Doctors treat this type of arthritis with medications to reduce both pain and the substance that is building up.
4. Arthritis caused by infection
Some infections can settle in the joints, causing arthritic symptoms, including painful and swollen joints. The usual culprits are staph, strep and Lyme bacteria. These infections typically respond to antibiotics. Once the infection is gone, the symptoms go away soon after.
