I’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Now What?

So, you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. How bad can it be? Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis are somewhat unpredictable. In the case of RA, the body’s immune system inexplicably attacks the synovial fluid in the joints.

If you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or RA, you naturally are wondering just how bad the symptoms of this serious joint disease may become.

While the severity of this disease varies from patient to patient, there are common symptoms that one should recognize and prepare for in order to minimize severity and progression. But don’t panic.

RA treatments have improved greatly over the years and a combination of medical therapy and self-care can help you manage rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for a better quality of life.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

According to the Mayo Clinic, the chronic inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis may not only damage the joints, but may also cause damage to the eyes, lungs, heart, blood vessels, and skin.

RA differs from osteoarthritis in that the inflammation is not the result of the ravages of time and overuse, but inflammation of the joint lining that may cause the erosion of bone and ultimately joint deformity.

In a segment on CNN, journalist Jim Morelli reported on the symptoms and treatment of RA patients.

Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may experience some or all of the following symptoms:

• Joint tenderness, swelling, and inflammation
• Morning stiffness or immobility following periods of inactivity
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Elevated body temperature/fever

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be unpredictable. The above symptoms may occur infrequently and dissipate quickly or may become constant and debilitating.

Rheumatoid Arthritis severity scale

In studying the progression of RA, it was discovered that there are four common stages of disease progression. Each of these stages requires its own specific course of treatment to help patients live the best quality of life possible.

Stage 1 Rheumatoid Arthritis: In the earliest stage of the disease, a patient experiences inflammatory activity in the joint capsule, synovial tissue swelling and resultant pain and stiffness of the affected joint(s).

Stage 2 Rheumatoid Arthritis: As rheumatoid arthritis worsens to this stage, damage to the cartilage occurs, which results in occasionally decreased the range of motion or loss of mobility.

Stage 3: At this severe stage of RA, not both bone and cartilage are suffering the ravages of inflammation of the synovial tissue.

Pain and swelling of the joints may become intense at this stage, resulting in decreased muscle strength, difficulties with mobility or even physical joint deformities.

Stage 4: Otherwise known as “end-stage” rheumatoid arthritis, joints may cease to function as pain and swelling increase to a state of immobility.

How quickly does rheumatoid arthritis spread?

The time frame for which rheumatoid arthritis may progress from stage 1 through stage 4 varies from patient to patient.

It is vital that the disease is diagnosed and treated as early as possible to help slow the progression, as well as treat symptoms to ensure optimal quality of life. The progression is usually slow, worsening over the years.

In some cases, the condition will go into remission for weeks or months at a time, when the patient will experience few or no symptoms at all.

What is the worst case scenario with rheumatoid arthritis?

You may be wondering if RA gets worse with age. Progressive rheumatoid arthritis may result in the destruction of joint structures, limiting function and mobility.

In the worst cases, fingers may become bent, shortened and misaligned. Patients with end-stage rheumatoid arthritis may require assistance with the activities of daily living and may need a walker or wheelchair for ambulation.

According to WebMD, RA can result in inflammation of the knees requiring surgical knee replacement, damage to the structures in the cervical spine, or damage to organs such as the eyes or lungs.

Rheumatoid arthritis may also contribute to coronary artery disease by speeding the development of arterial plaque. This may increase the risk of stroke if these plaques build up in the arteries of the head and neck.

Some medicines often prescribed to treat rheumatoid arthritis may contribute to the risk of osteoporosis, which can cause further debilitation and lack of mobility.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis medications may contribute to hair loss, although this may also be attributed to the disease itself.

The RA medication Methotrexate is believed to be responsible for the hair loss in up to 3 percent of patients who take the drug.

Severe rheumatoid arthritis life expectancy

While rheumatoid arthritis is considered a chronic condition and not a terminal illness, there is evidence may shorten life expectancy by up to 15 years in the most serious cases.

The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society advises that patients that are diagnosed and treated appropriately at an early age are more likely to have better outcomes. However, RA sufferers may be at higher risk of developing lung disease, heart disease, and some cancers.

Severe rheumatoid arthritis pain relief

Your rheumatologist will prescribe a variety of prescription medications to keep your RA pain and symptoms at bay.

Along with medical therapy, there are steps you can take to protect your joints and improve your overall health for fewer RA-related problems.

Stretching, low-impact exercise, warm baths, and showers, as well as paraffin wax dips may all contribute to keeping joints supple.

Rebecca Manno, MD suggests maintaining a healthy weight and improving your diet to include fewer inflammatory foods may ease rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Self-care can also be very helpful for emotional well-being.

Meditation, spending time in nature, and connecting with loved ones or even support groups can relieve stress and worry about health-related problems.

There is no denying that life with RA can at times be a struggle, but treating yourself with compassion working within your physical limits can make things a little easier.

Be good to yourself, be good to your joints, and make wellness a priority for a happier life with RA.

When one thinks about arthritis, they may picture an older person with achy joints. It may surprise most people to find out that children can also suffer from arthritis.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, or JRA for short, is actually fairly common in children under 16.

According to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, as many as 300,000 children have been diagnosed with arthritis.

Children are naturally energetic and active beings. It can be especially troubling to a parent if they see their child suffering symptoms of joint pain or stiffness.

Here we will explore what the various signs and symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis are, and how you will know if it is time to take your child to see a doctor that specializes in treating JRA.

Watch this video for an introduction to what to expect with JRA.

What is an Autoimmune Disease?

In order to understand how Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis works and affects the body, one must first understand what an autoimmune disease is.

JRA is one example of an autoimmune disease. Others include lupus, psoriasis and, multiple sclerosis.

The immune system is comprised of organs, tissues, and cells that help fight off infection.

Every day we are exposed to hundreds, if not thousands, of harmful viruses and bacteria. Our immune system helps protect us against getting sick due to these foreign invaders.

Sometimes the immune system gets confused and can’t tell the difference between the healthy cells and the bad ones.

When this confusion happens, the body attacks itself instead of the foreign invaders.

In the case of JRA, the body attacks tissue that surrounds the joints, which in turn cause joint pain.

What Causes JRA?

According to the Arthritis Foundation the exact causes of JRA, and autoimmune diseases, in general, are not exactly known.

There is much research being done on autoimmune diseases because they are still somewhat of a mystery to medical professionals.

There may be a genetic factor that helps to determine whether or not an individual will develop JRA.

Some research has shown that certain environmental factors increase the risk of developing JRA when paired with a genetic predisposition.

According to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, some of these factors are bacteria, air pollution, smoke, and insecticides.

What are the Symptoms of JRA?

JRA is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks healthy joint tissue. This causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

It can make doing normal tasks seem more difficult. Most people experience pain in their hands and feet, but JRA can affect other parts of the body.

Like most diseases, each individual will experience symptoms differently. Some children may have all or just a few of the symptoms which will be discussed below.

If you see the following signs and symptoms developing in your child, it might be time to see a doctor.

Your Child Will Experience Joint Pain

Children usually seem to have endless supplies of energy. They seem to be able to bounce back from anything and everything fairly quickly.

So when we hear our children complaining about joint pain, it can be incredibly alarming.

JRA commonly affects the joints in the fingers, hands, and feet. You may notice that your child complains that their hands hurt.

They may even have difficulty holding a pencil or fork. The pain may be worse shortly after they wake up in the morning.

Kidshealth.org notes that there are different types of JRA that correspond to the number of joints that are affected.

Children who have four or fewer joints that are painful have oligoarthritis. Children who have oligoarthritis often complain that their knees hurt.

Polyarticular arthritis affects five or more joints, most commonly in the hands.

Familydoctor.org notes that polyarticular arthritis is more common among girls and that joints on both sides of the body will equally be affected. It is possible that polyarticular arthritis goes away as the child ages.

Children who have JRA do not constantly experience symptoms. They usually go through periods where their symptoms are worse, called flare-ups, followed by periods in which they experience no symptoms, called remission.

In less common instances, children can develop systemic JRA in which the whole body is affected.

Fevers are Common in Children with JRA

Children who have JRA may be more prone to getting frequent fevers. Autoimmune diseases impact the body’s ability to fight infection, making those who have them more susceptible to getting sick. Mayo Clinic points out that in children with JRA, fevers may be worse at night.

Your Child Will Experience Joint Stiffness

Kids, especially the young ones, are often not the most coordinated bunch. If you notice that your child is more clumsy than normal, you may want to have a talk with them about possible joint stiffness.

Joint stiffness is a very common symptom of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. The immune system attacks the healthy tissue surrounding the joints causing inflammation. The inflammation leads to joint stiffness, making it difficult for the child to move.

Many children report that their joints are most difficult to move after long periods of rest.

The mornings may be hard for a child with JRA and they might take longer getting ready for school because they are in pain.

While at school, it may take them a while before they can comfortably hold their pencil or do their school work.

Are Your Child’s Joints Hot to the Touch?

Swelling of the joints is typical in children who are diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis due to inflammation of the joints.

If your child complains of joint pain, the joint in question may feel warm. This can last for several days.

Children play rough and can get hurt easily. A child who has a swollen ankle due to an injury will likely feel better with some over the counter pain relievers, rest and ice to bring down the swelling. Unfortunately, these tactics do not often work for children who have JRA.

The skin outside their joints, on their knees, hands or feet, may also appear to be irritated.

The skin might have a pinkish hue. One tell-tale sign that your child may be suffering from JRA is if they complain about swelling or paint on their knees.

You may notice that your child has trouble playing with their friends or practicing sports. JRA can make physical activity more challenging for children.

It is time to see a doctor when your child’s symptoms begin to interfere with normal, daily activities such as playing or doing homework.

Look For These Less Common Symptoms

Children with JRA may develop rashes, as they are common with autoimmune diseases.

Pay close attention to where the rash is located, as a sign that it might be related to JRA is if the rash covers their knuckles or lies across their face.

The rash can last for quite a while, it will likely not clear up with over the counter medications.

It is important to pay close attention to how many of these symptoms your child experiences.

If they experience weight loss or lose their appetite in combination with joint pain, swelling or stiffening then it is worth a visit to the doctor to rule out JRA. Weight loss by itself can be caused by many other issues.

The Symptoms are Not Just Physical

Living with any debilitating disease can often take a toll on the individual’s mental health. Children are very much influenced by their peers.

If your child sees their friends performing activities that are difficult for them, they may start to get anxious.

While they may not be able to articulate their feelings well, children with JRA can become depressed.

Look out for signs of depression such as prolonged periods of sadness or a lack of interest in activities that once excited your child.

Living with an illness that limits their mobility may impact their self-esteem. It is important to work with your child and look for ways to boost their self-esteem.

Seek advice from a mental health professional if you suspect your child has developed anxiety or depression due to JRA.

Your Child Can Still Be Happy and Healthy Living With JRA

Many of these signs and symptoms can be caused by other factors. As a parent, it is important to be vigilant in examining your child’s behavior patterns to determine if there is a need for medical intervention.

While there is no cure, children living with JRA can still lead very healthy and active lives.

Many of these symptoms can be managed with medication and therapy. A doctor may prescribe Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s)or corticosteroids to help control joint inflammation and pain.

Some other treatment options include physical therapy to help your child increase their flexibility and strength.

Physical therapists will be able to recommend specific exercises for your child based on their individual symptoms.

Many physical therapists will also recommend keeping your child engaged in sports or other physical activities.

Regular exercise is important in staving off flare-ups and keeping your child as healthy as possible.

A healthy diet rich in calcium will also help manage the symptoms of JRA. If you suspect your child has Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, consult with a rheumatologist.

Not only does it impact the joints, but it can cause damage to other organs and tissues found throughout the body, including the lungs, heart, blood vessels, eyes, and the skin.

It seems to also be inextricably connected to gut health. Many individuals who are diagnosed with RA (or with other autoimmune disorders) have co-occurring gastrointestinal (GI) issues.

In fact, it appears that this baffling co-morbidity occurs more often than not. In other words, if you have RA, there is probably a good chance that you currently have or will develop GI problems.

That begs the question of “How are RA and GI issues linked and can either be cured?” The answer is, as indicated below, complex, but those with RA and GI should know that it is possible to reverse the severity of symptoms.

What Exactly Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of chronic inflammatory disease (as well as an autoimmune disorder) which is most highly characterized by inflammation around the joints.

It tends to be most noticeable in the hands but can occur in any of the joints found throughout the body.

Unlike osteoarthritis, RA inflicts its damage to the synovium (which is a type of lining) around your joints, causing the surrounding ligaments and tendons to wear down.

Over time, this degeneration can result in serious loss of bone density and deformity of the joints themselves.

Additionally, because it is an autoimmune disease, having RA means that your body is attacking itself by mistake.

As Dr. Ana-Maria Orbai writes, autoimmune diseases arise as a result of your body being unable to tell the difference between which cells are yours and which are foreign invaders.

Essentially, your autoimmune system creates an overactive response and ends up attacking your healthy cells as if they were harmful invaders (such as a virus).

Scientists are still uncertain as to what causes autoimmune diseases like RA to manifest.

There does appear to be a strong genetic component, as RA tends to be passed along through bloodlines.

Although having a blood relative with RA can put you at risk for also having it, this is not a solid guarantee that you will develop signs of RA.

There are a few other risk factors for RA that you should be aware of. RA tends to be most predominant in women and typically manifests when a woman is between 40 and 60 years of age.

Your environment and lifestyle choices can also factor into the equation, especially when it comes to obesity and smoking habits.

What Is Causing My Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (or IBS for short) is not one singular symptom but a complex grouping of symptoms, many of which can occur together.

A lot of people think of IBS as being just an ongoing case of upset stomach, but the truth is that IBS is the result of serious changes occurring within your gastrointestinal tract.

Like RA and other autoimmune disorders (which can also co-occur with IBS), the underlying cause of IBS is not yet scientifically known. However, researchers and doctors speculate that multiple things can cause IBS.

Some of the most commonly-reported issues that seem to cause IBS to include stress, anxiety, depression, intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods, bacterial infections, and an overabundance of unhealthy bacteria in the small intestine.

Again, as with autoimmune diseases, some individuals seem to be genetically predisposed to IBS.

The key to figuring out what is causing your IBS is to focus on the foods that you consume.

While there is no hard-and-fast medical test for this, you can attempt to undergo a gut detoxification process with the help of a trained nutritionist.

As Choung and Talley state, numerous studies on those who do diet eliminations and challenges have shown that the removal of trigger foods can improve IBS symptoms.

Some of the foods known to be culprits behind IBS symptoms include wheat, dairy, fried food, hot spices, caffeinated beverages, and gluten.

Many of those who have RA also have these food intolerances, and some choose to cut these foods from their diets in order to help decrease inflammation.

How Is RA Connected With IBS?

As you can probably discern from reading the last few sections, there is a pretty strong connection between RA and IBS. But what exactly is that connection, and why is it so common? The answers might surprise you.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are multiple studies out there that indicate that high levels of bodily inflammation are responsible for causing RA and IBS symptoms.

Inflammation can be caused by several factors, ranging from the food you eat to the high-stress lifestyles we tend to live.

Additionally, approximately 20 to 30% of individuals with RA also develop Fibromyalgia, a condition which results in chronic, widespread pain and includes IBS symptoms.

The most important thing to know about inflammation is that it exists in a vicious cycle. While symptoms might seem to start in one area of your body (for example, in your GI tract), the inflammatory cytokines that get activated spread throughout your entire body.

As Dr. Kelly Brogan asserts, these cytokines are responsible for inflicting damage from oxidative stress on your mitochondria and bodily tissues.

Inflammation of the upper GI tract (stemming from the mouth to the end of your stomach) can cause tearing in the stomach’s lining, ulcers, bleeding, and irritation in your esophagus.

This tends to be a common issue in RA patients who have been prescribed non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for extended periods of time.

Meanwhile, problems in the lower GI tract (in other words, the large and small intestines) include colitis (which is swelling that occurs in the large intestine) and diverticulitis (inflammation in the sacs which surround your intestines).

Another culprit behind RA inflammation and gut issues is Candida albicans. According to Lisa Richards, Candida – an overgrowth of fungus – wreaks havoc on the immune system.

Multiple studies conducted in recent years have shown that Candida is responsible for causing inflammation in the gut as well as various tissues throughout the body. More specifically, Candida impacts the production of pro-inflammatory TH17 cells and their interleukin, IL-17.

How Healing The Gut Helps To Treat RA Symptoms

So, where does the healing process begin? The answer might not be one that is easy to accept and enact, but it is crucial to consider. According to 4AHealthyGut Website, Changing your diet and exercise habits is a great way to kick-start the process of reversing your symptoms.

As Clint Paddison (a chronic RA patient and founder of the Paddison Program) discusses in this video, figuring out which food sensitivities and allergies might be causing inflammation is important in shaping your RA-friendly diet.

There are specific foods which appear to cause gut inflammation almost across the board and are foods you should consider removing from your diet.

Foods containing gluten, wheat, and dairy products tend to be the biggest triggers of bodily inflammation and GI issues.

Various types of meat (especially fattier meats) can also cause problems. While you should consider removing these foods from your diet, you do not have to remove them all right away.

Incrementally deleting these foods can help ease you into your diet, and you might also learn along the way that you react poorly to foods you would not have suspected could cause such problems, such as foods high in histamines.

Exercise is also an important element of your healing process. Even milder forms of RA can make exercise feel painful and exhausting.

However, in order to combat RA, you need to move your body. The key is finding the types of exercise that increase joint and muscle flexibility and get your blood circulating throughout your entire body.

Many individuals with RA have found that doing water exercises on a routine basis encourages greater mobility in their joints.

Joint tenderness, swelling, and pain seem to decrease for many people with activities like water aerobics and regular swimming sessions.

Also, quite a few studies have found that practicing yoga provides many benefits for those coping with symptoms of RA and other autoimmune diseases.

Yoga is low-impact, so you will not have to worry about incurring additional damage to your joints.

Even the most basic yoga poses can yield major results by providing muscle tone, flexibility, and developing that crucial core strength.

Practicing yoga for just 15 minutes to half an hour a couple of times per week can decrease inflammation and help you feel stronger and more energized.

Yoga also comes with the added perk of providing many people with inner relaxation through meditated breathing.

Walking is another form of exercise that doctors tend to recommend to their RA patients.

Starting off at a slow-but-steady pace in a place where you feel secure, you can start to develop strength in your legs and pelvic area.

Wearing supportive shoes and staying hydrated while you walk is important, and as you do more walking, you will likely notice yourself feeling more energized and less inflamed.

What Are My Treatment Options?

Aside from lifestyle and dietary changes, there are additional treatment options that can help you decrease your RA inflammation. Some doctors will prescribe you with corticosteroids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, or Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.

For more chronic cases, surgery might be necessary to repair damaged joints, but it is often the last resort for doctors and their patients.

There are quite a few herbs and natural supplements on the market that are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric is, according to the Arthritis Foundation, is one of the herbs most commonly used to treat stiffness and inflammation in RA patients.

It has a long history in Ayurvedic medicine, as it has long been known to clear excess mucus and aid in the healing of wounds. It can easily be included in meals and mixes well with ginger in herbal teas.

Probiotics are another potential source of healing, especially when it comes to your gut. Probiotics help by introducing billions of healthy bacteria into your gut, which then work to flush out unhealthy gut microbiota that is known to cause inflammation when they accumulate.

Probiotics can come in kefir and yogurt, but if you have histamine or lactose intolerance, you will need to consider avoiding those sources.

Instead, you can opt for non-dairy forms of yogurt and kefir or purchase over-the-counter probiotics from your local drug store.

Is There a Cure For RA or IBS?

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for RA or IBS. While scientists are still working to uncover the root source of these conditions, it appears that the best hope for living a healthy and functional life is to make the important changes to your diet and exercise routine. Discovering what might be triggering inflammation in your gut is a major step in the healing process.

Another step that you might wish to consider taking is becoming active in RA support groups. This not only provides you with opportunities to learn more about RA and how to combat it, but it also invites you to participate in a network of emotional support from others who understand your struggles.

Find people with RA who have already made major lifestyle changes or who are willing to become your accountability partners throughout your healing journey.

Rheumatoid arthritis and irritable bowel syndrome are a common co-morbidity that team up to make life a little bit more painful.

While there is still no known medical cure, you can begin to reclaim your health by removing inflammatory foods from your diet and finding the right exercises that help to increase flexibility in your joints while decreasing inflammation.

The Arthritis Foundation defines rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a joint disease caused by the immune system attacking the joints.

It is therefore considered an autoimmune disorder like lupus or multiple sclerosis. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the synovium, a tissue that lines the inside of the joints and produces a lubricating fluid that helps the joints move easily and smoothly.

RA causes the synovium to become inflamed, and that inflammation causes the joints to become swollen and painful.

If rheumatoid arthritis goes untreated, it can eventually damage both the bones and cartilage in a joint. The affected joint gradually becomes deformed and loses its mobility – and the damage is irreversible.

Since such damage can occur shortly after the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, doctors strongly recommend both early diagnosis and aggressive treatment.

In a video produced by the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Eric Matteson, a rheumatologist, provides an overview of the disease, in which he describes the known causes and risk factors.

For example, about 75 percent of patients are women, and most patients develop RA between the ages of 40 to 60. Dr. Matteson also describes the Mayo Clinic’s research on treatments, particularly the use of stem cells.

What are the symptoms?

Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly develops in the hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles and, knees. It is usually symmetrical, which means if one elbow is affected, the other will also be affected.

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect other systems like the respiratory or cardiovascular system and is, therefore, also described as a systemic disease.

During the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, the patient may not see swelling or redness in their joints at first, but they will experience pain and tenderness.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, rheumatoid arthritis also shows the following traits:

• It affects small joints, like those in the hands or feet
• It affects the same joints on both sides of the body
• It affects more than one joint
• Morning stiffness lasts for over half an hour
• The swelling, pain, stiffness or tenderness lasts for at least six weeks

The patient may also experience fatigue, a low-grade fever and/or loss of appetite. The symptoms can come and go.

During a flare-up, the patient’s symptoms will be particularly severe, and a flare-up can last anywhere from a few days to several months.

As mentioned earlier, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other parts of the body and cause symptoms like any of the following:

• Anemia
• Inflammation of blood vessels that can damage the skin, nerves or other organs
• Inflammation and scarring in the lungs that causes breathing difficulties
• Rheumatoid nodules or bumps under the skin
• Dryness in the mouth coupled with irritated or infected gums
• Reddened, dry or and/or painful accompanied by impaired vision and photosensitivity

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose, for its symptoms, especially in the early stages, can mimic those of other diseases. There is also no one test that can identify it.

According to WebMD, a doctor who suspects a patient has rheumatoid arthritis will take the following steps during an examination.

They will start by taking the patient’s personal and family history. Rheumatoid arthritis can run in families, so if a close relative has it, the patient is also likely to have the disease.

The doctor will then perform a physical exam during which they examine the patient’s joints for pain and range of motion.

The doctor will order several blood tests. Since rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a malfunctioning immune system, the doctor will look for certain antibodies in the patient’s blood.

The doctor will also check the patient’s red blood cell (RBC) count, for anemia is also a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis.

The doctor may also check the patient’s c-creative proteins and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Both of these tests measure inflammation, and the results are higher in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

The doctor may also order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to take a look at the patient’s joints and check for joint damage. While such tests don’t really diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, they can help the doctor find any joint problems early on.

Is rheumatoid arthritis considered a disability?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be disabling. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a Blue Book that lists various disabling conditions.

The Blue Book, which is more formally called “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security,” describes the criteria a given condition must meet in order to be considered a disability.

The Blue Book is divided into two sections: One describes conditions that affect adults, and the other describes those that affect children.

The conditions are then categorized by type: neurological disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and so forth.

Rheumatoid arthritis falls under “immune system disorders.” That category is further subdivided, and one of the categories is “inflammatory arthritis.”

Inflammatory arthritis describes autoimmune disorders that affect the joints and includes both psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Such conditions are considered disabling if they cause deformity and constant inflammation, and if any of the following are true:

• Arthritis affects at least one weight-bearing joint like a knee and at least one peripheral joint like a shoulder or elbow
• Arthritis affects at least one peripheral joint and at least two organs or systems and causes persistent symptoms like fatigue or weight loss
• Arthritis affects the spine, so the patient can’t bend or move at all
• Arthritis affects the spine, thus limiting the patient’s mobility to some degree, and also affects at least two other organs or systems
• The patient suffers repeated flare-ups that affect at least two organs or systems to such an extent that they can not function

The Blue Book defines “major dysfunction” of a joint in the following way:

• The patient can’t walk or move effectively due to arthritis in their hip, knee and/or ankle
• The patient can’t perform tasks due to arthritis in their shoulder, elbow or hand

What is Residual Functional Capacity?

Residual Functional Capacity or RFC describes a patient’s ability to perform various tasks in spite of a disability. It concentrates on those tasks related to a job.

If a patient’s arthritis doesn’t meet the criteria listed in the Blue Book, they may still get benefits if they can prove that they are unable to work.

A person evaluating a patient’s RFC may consider any of the following:

• Can the patient concentrate on their work?
• How long can they stand, sit, walk, kneel, or push?
• Can the patient handle or reach for large objects?
• Can the patient understand, remember and carry out job-related tasks?

Some treatments may actually decrease a patient’s RFC. For example, some medications may impair the patient’s ability to concentrate on paperwork or the computer.

Similarly, the patient may have conditions caused by their arthritis, like depression or sleep disturbances, that impair their ability to work.

The RFC will be used to determine if the patient can perform sedentary, light, medium or heavy work. It will also indicate if the patient can still perform the type of work they have done in the past.

How does somebody get disability benefits?

A patient may apply for disability through either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both have offices that people can visit in person. A patient applying through SSDI can also apply online.

They should answer every single question; leaving blank spaces will either prolong the application processor result in a denial.

In addition to their disability, the applicant will have to answer questions about their work history, finances, and education.

The applicant should provide as many and as extensive medical records as possible. Disability applications for arthritis should include at least some of the following:

• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs
• Laboratory blood tests
• Physical exams, with an emphasis on mobility evaluations
• Descriptions of treatments
• Other lab work is done for inflammatory arthritis

The applicant should ask their doctor for help to ensure they use the appropriate terminology. If the patient’s condition doesn’t meet the Blue Book criteria, both they and their doctor will have to fill out RFC forms. Again, they need to be thorough and use the correct terms.

The applicant should also get a Social Security advocate or lawyer to help them. The advocate or lawyer can help the applicant through the entire process. Successfully getting benefits is rarely straightforward, and people often need help along the way.

The advocate or lawyer can help with both the initial filing and any necessary appeals in the case of a denial. People who have a lawyer or advocate helping them are more likely to get their benefits.

Does age make a difference?

Yes. In a nutshell, the older an applicant is, the better their chances of getting disability benefits. According to the Disability Benefits Center Website, the SSA divides people into the following age categories:

• 18 to 44 – Young individuals
• 45 to 49 – Younger individuals
• 50 to 54 – Approaching advanced age
• 55 to 60 – Advanced age
• 60 to 65 – Approaching retirement age

Applicants for disability are most likely to get benefits if they are at least 55 years old. People that age have a harder time finding work than do younger people even when they don’t have a disability. An older person with a disability will have a very difficult time finding work, and the SSA knows that.

What are grid rules?

The grid rules, which are more formally known as “medical-vocational guidelines” examine the patient’s age, education and work history.

They are called the grid rules because they are displayed in a table with five columns that look like a grid. The grid rules use the age categories listed above.

Education levels consist of the following:

• Marginal to none
• Limited
• High school graduate or more – does not provide direct entry into skilled work
• High school graduate or more – does provide direct entry into skilled work

Work experience has three categories:

• Unskilled or none
• Semi-skilled or skilled skills not transferable
• Semi-skilled or skilled, skills transferable

“Transferable” refers to how well the applicant’s skills can be transplanted from one workplace to another.

An airplane mechanic is very skilled, but those skills won’t help them if they try to get a job that doesn’t involve maintaining or repairing planes. Their skills are thus “nontransferable.”

A secretary, on the other hand, has transferable skills, for many types of employers have offices that need people who can handle paperwork.

The grid rules are most beneficial to people with limited education and job skills, for the SSA believes that people with more education and skills will have an easier time finding work.

The SSA also consider the physical demands of a given job. It divides jobs into five categories: sedentary, light, medium, heavy and very heavy. The last two are the most physically demanding, and people of capable of such work are not considered disabled.

A sedentary job is the least physically demanding: The employee must be able to sit for at least six hours during an eight -hour workday, and they might occasionally have to lift something that weighs up to ten pounds.

Light work requires the employee to be able to stand and/or walk for six hours during an eight-hour workday. They will frequently have to lift objects that weigh ten pounds and occasionally lift objects that weigh up to twenty pounds.

Medium work has the same mobility requirements as does light work. The employee also has to be able to frequently lift objects that weigh 25 pounds and occasionally lift objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.

As might be guessed, an applicant who is unable to perform even sedentary work is far more likely to be considered disabled than an applicant who can perform light or medium work.

In his video, the Social Security lawyer, Johnathan C. Ginsberg, discusses how the grid rules can help applicants who are over 50 and have limited education, skills and/or work experience.

Conclusion

arthritis is technically considered a disability, but the SSA will want proof that the applicant’s condition is severe enough to prevent them from working.

The applicant should, therefore, work with their doctor and advocate or lawyer to provide such proof. If the SSA still denies their claim, they may appeal that decision.

Some people with one of these diseases notice that they have symptoms more consistent with other autoimmune illnesses.

Is it possible to have lupus and rheumatoid arthritis at the same time? The answer is complicated.

Increased Rates of Autoimmune Illness

Autoimmune diseases are becoming more common in the developed world. Although there is a diverse range of autoimmune illness, all of them share a few commonalities.

Our immune system’s basic function is to attack invaders, such as bacteria and virus.

In autoimmune disease, the immune system instead begins to attack the body’s own tissues.

According to WebMD, this class of diseases includes a diverse range of disorders including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and multiple sclerosis.

Some autoimmune diseases affect only one organ. Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, however, can affect the entire body.

Autoimmune diseases are not contagious. This means that people who have these illnesses cannot spread them to others. You cannot catch these diseases from loved ones who have them.

What Is Lupus?

According to the National Resource Center on Lupus, lupus, also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect the skin, joints, and organs of the body. This can cause inflammation, pain, and permanent damage.

Lupus was first recognized in the 1950’s. At the time, it was believed to be a skin disorder due to a distinctive “butterfly rash” that people with lupus often get on their faces.

Doctors later realized that lupus can affect many other tissues and organs, including the liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs.

Every person with lupus has different symptoms. However, there are a few that are extremely common.

These include:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Distinctive “butterfly” rash that worsens with exposure to sunlight
• Fever
• Swelling in face, joints, and extremities
• Hair loss
• Anemia
• High white blood cell counts, which can lead to increased clotting
• Ulcers in the mouth
• Pain with breathing
• Fingers and toes turning white or blue in cold weather

People with lupus may have any or all of these symptoms. In severe cases, people can even develop kidney failure or heart problems from this disease.

However, most people can manage their symptoms with lifestyle choices and medications.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (or RA for short) is an autoimmune disease that attacks tissues throughout the body.

Although it is best known for its effects on joints, the Mayo Clinic points out that it also can affect organs such as the eyes, lungs, and heart, along with effects on the skin in many cases.

Rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks the joints, causing inflammation that can cause lifelong damage if left untreated.

It begins with painful, swollen, red joints, usually beginning with the smaller joints such as the knuckles of the fingers. These symptoms are usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

As RA progresses, it can affect larger joints as well. People may notice fever, fatigue, and weight loss.

Dr. Larry Santora has made a video describing the permanent and distinctive deformities that this disease can cause.

Rheumatoid arthritis often progresses to affect more than the joints including:

• Skin and glands
• Blood vessels
• The nervous system
• Bone marrow
• Skin
• Heart
• Lungs
• Eyes

Like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes be fatal due to potential effects on vital organs.

However, this is rare. Most people can effectively treat their symptoms to reduce long-term effects.

Causes of Autoimmune Disease

Doctors do not know exactly what causes the immune system to turn on the body’s own tissues, but they have identified what populations are most at risk.

Women are twice as likely to develop them as men, particularly women of childbearing age. Different autoimmune diseases are more common in different racial and ethnic groups.

In addition, some of these illnesses appear to be hereditary. In most cases, people who have a first-order relative with a particular autoimmune disease are more likely to develop the illness than the general population.

There are many hypotheses about what triggers an autoimmune illness. According to Healthline, Some doctors believe that our homes are too clean, with little exposure to bacteria.

This is called the hygiene hypothesis. Others, such as Dr. Amy Myers, blame the Western diet, environmental contamination, stress, and other causes.

Most doctors and scientists believe that people with autoimmune diseases have genes that leave them susceptible.

The diseases are then activated by an unknown environmental trigger. This would explain why these diseases can run in families but do not affect everyone in the family.

Most people with autoimmune diseases will have times when they have few symptoms and times when their symptoms are very severe.

These are known as remissions and flares. One of the goals of treatment is to reduce the severity of flares and lengthen the time of remissions.

Many people find that stress and other factors increase the prevalence of flares. The factors that cause flares also may be partial causes of the disease itself.

Many people are successful in reducing flares by reducing their triggers, especially when combined with medication and other treatments.

Ultimately we do not know why some people develop autoimmune diseases. However, we know that healthy lifestyle choices can improve symptoms and help patients to lead a longer and healthier life.

We also have developed the ability to test for specific autoimmune diseases and a wide variety of innovative new treatments.

Common Symptoms

Although lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are different diseases, there are several symptoms that they have in common.

Fatigue, fever, and weight loss are common to both. These are the same symptoms that people notice with any immune system activity, whether your body is attacking a virus or attacking its own tissues.

In addition, many people with either one of these diseases will have joint pain. Lupus does not usually cause the long-term joint damage that RA causes, but can look very similar to early RA.

There are a few differences between lupus and RA that can guide doctors in deciding which disease a patient has.

First, patients will have different antibodies in their bloodwork. Second, rheumatoid arthritis is usually worse in the morning, while the symptoms of lupus generally remain the same throughout the day. In addition, lupus usually does not cause erosions in bone or joint deformities.

It is usually easy for a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in autoimmune disease, to determine which a patient has.

Although it is rare, some patients can even have both diseases at the same time.

A good doctor will test for a variety of autoimmune diseases before making a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Tests for Lupus and RA

There are several blood tests that can indicate lupus. Doctors look for high ANA (anti-nuclear antibodies) as well as antibodies to double-stranded DNA and cardiolipin. There are many other rare blood markers as well.

According to health and wellness website Healthline, a person should only be diagnosed with lupus if they meet four of these criteria:

• Distinctive facial rash called a malar or butterfly rash
• Raised purple or red patches on the skin call ‘discoid lupus’
• The presence of antinuclear antibodies
• The presence of other antibodies associated with lupus
• Skin symptoms that worsen with exposure to sunlight, which is called photosensitivity
• Inflammation of the heart or lungs
• Kidney symptoms, indicated by the presence of special proteins called casts in the urine
• Anemia, abnormalities of white blood cells, or other bloodwork consistent with lupus
• Neurological symptoms such as seizure
• Arthritis that isn’t caused by other known causes of joint disease

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is diagnosed when people get six points on a special RA scale. This scale is scored as follows:

• Rheumatoid symptoms in one or more joints (one point per joint affected, up to five points)
• The presence of antibodies associated with RA in the bloodstream, including rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies (one point per antibody present, up to three points)
• A positive erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP), both of which indicate high levels of inflammation in the body (one point)
• Presence of symptoms for more than six weeks (one point)

Although these two diseases can have similar symptoms, the diagnosis is not dependent solely on these common symptoms.

Thus, it is usually easy for doctors to tell the two apart. However, it becomes more complicated when patients have one of these diseases and believe they may have the other.

Life With Autoimmune Disease

Living with autoimmune disease can be difficult. Many of the symptoms of these diseases can keep a person from working full time or caring for their family.

This is especially true during flares when symptoms worsen immensely.

People with lupus struggle with pain, rashes, and other symptoms on a daily basis.

People with RA may have joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation that makes it difficult to perform normal activities, even ones like buttoning clothing.

Over time, they may develop permanent deformities in the joints that compromise function.

People who have either lupus or rheumatoid arthritis must be very careful to reduce risk factors for flares.

They should avoid stress, eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of rest. This balance can be difficult to manage with the demands of modern life.

In addition, patients with these diseases have to carefully track their symptoms to ensure that their treatment plan is working.

They often have to fit multiple doctor’s appointments and different therapies into their day.

Treatments for Lupus and RA

John Hopkins Medicine recommends starting lupus treatment with NSAIDs for mild flares.

Anti-malarial drugs such as Plaquenil can reduce flares as well as serious effects on vital organs.

Steroids such as cortisone as well as the hormone DHEA can reduce inflammation, pain, and other unpleasant daily effects during flares, although these can have serious side effects when used long term.

If these approaches do not work, people with lupus may be given immunosuppressive medications that suppress the immune system.

These are the last resort because they make people more prone to infectious illnesses.

Rheumatoid arthritis has a different treatment plan. Like lupus, it often begins with NSAIDs. Steroids also can be used sparingly. However, there are different drugs for more serious RA.

WebMD considers DMARDs the first line for rheumatoid arthritis that does not respond to NSAIDs, as do most rheumatologists.

This stands for disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. There are many medications in this category, all of which reduce flares while slowing damage to joints.

Biologic agents, which directly attack antibodies, are reserved for severe disease that does not get better with any other kind of medication.

These medications have been given by IV, which is inconvenient. In addition, they can have serious side effects such as fatigue and increased risk of infection.

It is important to develop a treatment plan and to follow it exactly. This is the only way to reduce the permanent injury and even death that can result from these diseases.

Further, it is important to know whether you have both diseases so a treatment plan can be developed that addresses both autoimmune illnesses at the same time.

Can You Have Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis at the Same Time? The Bottom Line

Because the symptoms of these diseases overlap, many people may suspect that they have both. Ultimately, it is possible to have both of these diseases at the same time. However, this is incredibly rare.

If a person suspects they have one or both of these diseases, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

A doctor can help to sort out symptoms, give education about the disease, and develop a treatment plan to help patients live a longer, healthier life.

According to Victoria Ruffing, RN, and Dr. Clifton O. Bingham III, the chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis increases up to 5% for women over the age of 55, and that overall, women experience the disease “two to three times great…than men.”

Although this disease is not fully understood by medical professionals across the globe, four different stages have been identified leading up to full-blown rheumatoid arthritis.

While no two patients will experience the exact same symptoms, the article below will outline the general stages and what can be expected during the disease’s development.

Stage 1: The inflammation begins.

According to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, the early stages of the disease will cause see painful joint inflammation and be swelling of the “synovial tissue.”

This tissue, also known as the synovial membrane, is the thin connective tissue that encapsulates the joints, keep all the moving parts together, and prevent those parts from grinding against one another.

When this tissue becomes swollen, it begins to impede the function of the joints, making them stiff and painful.

The joints most often affected are those in the hands, wrists, and feet, with some cases claiming pain in shoulders, elbows, or knees.

Stage 2: Moderate pain and the beginning of noticeable internal damage.

As the synovial degeneration continues, the pain involved with rheumatoid arthritis will begin to increase drastically.

Individuals may notice that their joints are moving even less because it is likely that the inflammation has begun to cause cartilage damage.

Dr. William C. Shiel, Jr., explains that at any time, symptoms can go into remission and the individual will feel much better.

But it is just as likely that at any time those symptoms will reappear, or “flare”, and the inflammatory pain will start all over again.

Symptoms of active rheumatoid arthritis flares (beyond joint pain and stiffness) include a sense of fatigue or loss of energy as well as a loss of appetite or even low-grade fever.

Stage 3: The damage has moved from the cartilage to the bone, and the condition has become severe.

By stage three, the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis is nearly unbearable. Afflicted individuals will find it difficult, if not impossible, to perform daily tasks that can include walking if the inflammation is center in the legs or feet and/or any tasks that involve the hands if the inflammation is centered there.

In her article “Treating Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis: How Treatment Options Change in Stage 3 Disease” (medically reviewed by Dr. Grant Hughes), journalist Carol Eustice explains that depending on the degree of severity, the inflammation might also begin to affect other organs throughout the body, which can include:

• Pericarditis – affects the area around the heart
• Vasculitis – affects the blood vessels
• Pleuritis – affects lung tissue

In addition to the increased chance of inflammation around vital organs, stage three rheumatoid arthritis can also see the development of joint deformities in the affected areas.

These deformities often appear as solid nodules that physically affect the appearance of an individual’s hands, feet, legs, or other joints the disease may be affecting.

Stage 4: The end game, and the full deterioration of join movement.

Known as end-stage rheumatoid arthritis, stage four is the most advanced stage of the disease known to modern medicine.

By this point, the joint damage has reached a severe, nearly irreversible point and movement on the part of the individual affected is next to impossible.

Stage four rheumatoid arthritis under an X-ray is likely to show severe cartilage and bone damage, as well as possible, severe joint deformity and muscle degeneration.

Even at this stage of the disease, remission can still happen and medical professionals have no way to explain how or why this happens.

It is still unlikely, and therefore it is important to continue seeking proper medical care to try and control the disease.

Are there any treatment options?

While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are a few options in terms of treatment that may at least help to suppress the symptoms and progression of the disease.

Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

DMARDs were the most popular form of treatment in the 1970s, according to doctors J. Michelle Kahlenberg and David A. Fox, and while the medication is still used today, there is a plenty of unknown factors associated with timing and effectiveness that make the drug work for some but not others. Research is continuing to grow in this area to try and find the right balance for patient treatment.

Biologic DMARDs

More expensive than typical DMARDs, biologic DMARDs are designed to specifically target those receptors that are integral to the creation and progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Kahlenberg and Fox claim this new form of DMARD is revolutionary, but more clinical trials are needed to fully explore the options included with this biologic variant.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs are available over the counter or in prescription strength and include such medications as ibuprofen an naproxen.

Steroidal Medication

The Mayo Clinic offers corticosteroids as a possible treatment option, as they are designed to reduce inflammation. The most common of these is prednisone.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist can train an individual in different joint exercises that will help keep them flexible and build up muscle.

According to the Mayo Clinic, a physical therapist “may also suggest new ways to do daily tasks, which will be easier on your joints.” A trained therapist knows how the body works and can cater assistance to specific needs.

Surgery

When the damage becomes too great, it may be time to turn to surgical procedures to repair, fuse, or replace cartilage or tendons.