Rheumatoid Arthritis: Stages, Symptoms & Treatment Options

What happens when the body’s own immune system, designed to protect itself, starts attacking the lining of the joints? One gets diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Further, did you know that rheumatoid arthritis can be classified into 4 stages? Right from mild inflammation to joint damage, rheumatoid arthritis can progress in different ways. This blog aims to explain some commonly overlooked symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, along with expert-backed advice on when seeking a specialist becomes vital. Detailed information about treatment procedures such as medications, physical therapy and surgical interventions will also help you take control of rheumatoid arthritis before it progresses further.

A] What Are The 4 Stages Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be classified into 4 stages. Knowing these stages will not just help you understand your body better but also seek the right treatment.

Stage 1: Early-Stage RA

This is an early stage in rheumatoid arthritis when the immune system starts attacking the lining of your joints. It is marked with inflammation, but no major damage has happened to the joints yet. An important thing to note is that the early stage is completely treatable. Use of ultrasounds and MRIs is often done at this stage.

Stage 2: Moderate Stage RA

The minor inflammation earlier has now slowly increased. Damage to cartilage becomes apparent, and swelling in the joints cannot be ignored. X-rays can reveal findings such as early erosion in the areas of the hand and feet. Treatment here focuses on slowing or stopping the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Stage 3: Severe Stage RA

Stage 3 is considered quite significant as both damage to joints and inflammation level increase. When this happens, both your cartilage and bones can erode. In certain cases, it can even affect your ability to move. Guidance from an orthopaedic surgeon becomes vital at this stage. You can seek advice from Dr Tanay Prabhoo, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Andheri. 

Stage 4: End-Stage RA

At this stage, the damage to joints can be so severe that your joints may not even be functional. And while your inflammation levels might decrease, severe joint deformities are often caused. Treatment options involving surgery and medications are usually prescribed at this stage.

B] Common Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here are some common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis you need to watch out for:

• Chronic Joint Pain

One of the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis involves a continuous throbbing feeling in your joint. And while it could begin in small joints such as fingers and toes, it can later involve large joints involving your knees, hips, shoulders or even elbows. If left untreated, this can even cause long-term disability. 

• Prolonged Morning Stiffness

In rheumatoid arthritis, the stiffness can last as long as an entire hour. The cause behind this is said to be inflammation that can happen overnight. Even doing simple household activities can take an unusually long time of 30-60 minutes. 

• Visible Joint Swelling And Warmth

Your joints can visibly look puffy and even appear warm when touched. Sometimes, occasional flares due to swelling can also be noticed. Use of medical assistance should be sought during this period. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, we recommend booking an appointment with a specialist.

C] Rare and Overlooked Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

While joint pain, stiffness and swelling are some common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, certain lesser-known symptoms can worsen over time. These include:

• A Low-Grade Fever

The low-grade fever caused by rheumatoid arthritis can be easily mistaken for a common cold or flu. Common remedies, such as sleeping, won’t really work here. This is because the fever is caused by the increased inflammatory chemicals in your body. 

• Dry Eyes And Mouth

Here, the autoimmune system is known to attack both your salivary as well as the tear glands. Dryness in both your mouth and eye area can be experienced. You can feel thirsty even when you’re drinking enough water.

• Unintended Weight Loss

Weight loss due to rising inflammation levels in the body may also occur. More energy can be utilised even after increasing your food intake. What’s important is that you do not mistake this weight loss as caused by stress or other lifestyle factors.

Assessments can be done to understand the real cause of your overlooked symptoms. 

D] Modern Treatment Approaches for Rheumatoid Arthritis

In recent years, several advancements in the way rheumatoid arthritis is managed have taken place. Some of the treatment approaches for rheumatoid arthritis involve:

• Conventional DMARDs

Conventional DMARD tablets are the commonly prescribed medications for rheumatoid treatment, as per the NHS. These don’t just help to slow the disease progression but also relieve certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

• Biologic DMARDs

When conventional DMARDs are not enough, biologic DMARDs can be prescribed. Some common types of biologic DMARDs include TNF inhibitors, IL-6 inhibitors, and IL-1 blockers. These can target both joint pain as well as erosions. 

• Targeted synthetic DMARDs

And when both conventional DMARDs and biologic DMARDs are not enough, targeted synthetic DMARDs can be utilised. The result can be noticed in the 1st or 2nd week itself. Unlike biologics, DMARDs are definitely more convenient to consume.

• Corticosteroids

Due to the associated side effects, corticosteroids are usually prescribed at a lower dose. And while they provide targeted relief, they should not be used long-term. These can, however, be used to relieve joint pain directly, which helps reduce the inflammation levels.

• NSAIDs

NSAIDs stand for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Rather than disease progression, these work better for symptom management. Just like corticosteroids, these also provide fast relief. These are often prescribed in the early stages. Some common types of NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and diclofenac. 

• Physical Therapy

Physical therapy to reduce the frozen feeling can also be sought after. Physical therapy helps restore both flexibility and muscle strength. Consult us to get tailored arthritis treatment for physiotherapy based on our personalised guidance.

• Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes here can involve reducing body weight and including an anti-inflammatory diet. Read our blog to know more about the lifestyle changes you can make to manage rheumatoid arthritis more efficiently.

When To Consult A Rheumatoid Arthritis Specialist?

While rheumatoid arthritis might be mild in the beginning, it can slowly progress and even erode your bones. This is why timely consultation with a specialist becomes vital. Only an experienced rheumatoid arthritis specialist can help you detect this condition even in the early phases. Further, through assessments such as blood tests, X-rays and MRIs, you can understand the real cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Contact us if you’re looking for a holistic approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis. Along with an MBBS degree, Dr Tanay Prabhoo also holds an MS, FCPS, DNB, and M.Ch in orthopaedics. With all these qualifications, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.