Few myths about rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-Part-I

Let us have a look at a few myths about rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-Part-I

Myth:  RA is no different from osteoarthritis in women.

Reality: RA and osteoarthritis are two entirely different diseases. RA is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis affecting women of reproductive age group while osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease usually occurring after 40 years of age. They differ in epidemiology, causes, mechanism, clinical presentation, management and course of disease.

Myth:  Women with RA shouldn’t exercise, as it can be dangerous to the inflamed joints.

Reality: Only aggressive, intense and high impact exercises to be avoided during active joint disease i.e. when joints are inflamed. Exercise is an important part of management of RA.

Myth: Women with RA do not face the risk of any other disease.

Reality: RA patients are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular events (myocardial infarction, angina, arrhythmia), hypertension, stroke, COPD, depression and solid malignancies.

Myth: You cannot effectively treat RA symptoms.

Reality: RA is a treatable medical condition just like diabetes mellitus, hypertension etc. Majority of patients need to take drugs throughout their life under the supervision of a ‘Rheumatologist’ preferably, or a Physician.

Myth: RA is like any other arthritis form and can be improved through lifestyle and other changes.

Reality: RA is an autoimmune inflammatory polyarthritis which requires treatment with disease modifying antoirheumatic drugs like Methotrexate, Sulphasalazine, leflunomide etc. Lifestyle modification also plays a supportive role in preventing or retarding joint damage.

Next part will be published  soon .
Please share and give your valuable comments


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

HEAL YOUR HEEL

Image
Author: Dr. Uma Kumar Professor & Head Department of Rheumatology AIIMS, New Delhi High Heels Body weight is distributed equally throughout the foot when spine & hips are in normal alignment. High heels take hips & spine out of alignment by pushing the low back foreword. Upper part of body must lean back to maintain the balance of the body. In the process, body weight shifts forward resulting in abnormal weight distribution on foot. Regularly wearing high heels can lead to pain in calf, foot, knee & back. Regular use in long-term can lead to: - 1.  Calf muscle shortening  2.  Tendons thickening  3.  Slippage of one vertebrae over other resulting in low back pain & normal of opening through which nerves exit Remember  Heels height determine the load of body weight put on foot. 3"heel - 76% of body weight 2"heel - 57% of body weight 1"heel - 22% of body weight ...
Read more

YOGA “to yolk” or connect 'CONNECT' with nature, humanity & spirituality

Image
Author: Dr. Uma Kumar Professor & Head Departmentn of Rheumatology AIIMS, New Delhi YOGA “to yolk” or connect 'CONNECT' with nature, humanity & spirituality ‘Yoga’   is a way to achieve harmony between the heart & the soul. But emphasis is given only on physical practice of yoga called “hatha” in current times. Yoga augments recovery of patients with arthritis too. 1.  Poses with synchronous deep breathing followed by slow movement sequence increase blood flow to the muscles improving tissue oxygenation. 2. Staying in poses for sometime builds muscles strength by keeping the muscle in isometric contraction. 3. Standing poses strengthen balancing capability of muscles and prevent falls. 4.Joint movement through full range improves flexibility of joints. Yoga reduces inflammation by increasing anti inflammatory cytokine genes. Its multifaceted dimensions engage people into health promoting behavior, therefore ...
Read more