Rheumatoid Arthritis : Basic Patient Information
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease — where your immune system attacks your own joints. This causes:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Joint damage
- Fatigue
Over time, RA can lead to joint deformities and affect organs like the lungs (lung fibrosis), bones (osteoporosis), eyes, and even the heart — making it much more than just arthritis.
Why RA Is More Than Joint Pain
RA doesn’t only affect joints — it affects the whole body:
- Joints → swelling, stiffness, deformity
- Lungs → fibrosis (scarring that causes breathlessness)
- Blood → low hemoglobin (leading to fatigue)
- Heart → increased risk of heart attacks
- Mood → depression, poor sleep, brain fog
- Bones → osteoporosis and increased fracture risk
How Is RA Diagnosed?
A rheumatologist uses a combination of:
- Symptoms: Morning stiffness, small joint pain
- Blood tests:
- Rheumatoid Factor (RA test)
- Anti-CCP antibodies
- ESR & CRP (inflammation markers)
- Imaging: Ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI
A positive RA test ≠ definite RA. A negative test ≠ exclusion. Clinical judgement is key.
What Medicines Are Used to Treat RA?
RA treatment is based on DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) — not just painkillers.
Conventional Synthetic DMARDs
- Methotrexate
- Sulfasalazine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Leflunomide
Methotrexate is NOT a steroid. It helps control immune overactivity, not just symptoms.
Biological DMARDs (Biologics)
Made from living proteins, these target specific immune system chemicals like TNF or IL-6.
- Etanercept, Adalimumab, Rituximab
- Tocilizumab, Certolizumab (pregnancy-safe)
They are highly effective when early control is needed or standard drugs fail.
Targeted Synthetic DMARDs
Newer oral medications that block immune signals from inside cells.
- Tofacitinib
- Upadacitinib
- Baricitinib
They are convenient, powerful, and used under medical supervision.
What About Steroids and Painkillers?
- Flares
- Emergency SOS use
- Weight gain
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Osteoporosis
What About Ayurveda, Homeopathy & Alternative Medicine?
If a “natural” remedy truly works, it will become part of modern medicine — but only after being tested, proven safe, and effective.
What Are the Goals of RA Treatment?
- Stop inflammation
- Prevent joint and organ damage
- Improve strength, stamina, and mental health
- Prevent fractures and infections
- Avoid medication side effects
- Enable normal work, family, and travel life
Can I Plan Pregnancy With RA?
- Safe during pregnancy:
- Hydroxychloroquine, Sulfasalazine
- Biologics like Etanercept and Certolizumab
- Low-dose steroids
Stop Methotrexate and Leflunomide 3+ months before trying.
Work with your rheumatologist for a smooth pregnancy journey.
Can RA Be Cured?
- You can live pain-free
- Prevent joint damage
- Avoid disability
- Maintain full independence and quality of life
What Should I Eat?
Myths:
- “Curd, tomato, rice, besan, dal are bad”
- “Sour food or protein flares RA”
- “Eggs and non-veg increase inflammation”
Truths:
- RA is not related to uric acid (that’s gout)
- Protein is essential
- Indian staples like chana dal, moong, besan, curd, yogurt, citrus — are all safe and helpful
Ideal diet:
- Dal, tofu, paneer, eggs
- Fruits, vegetables, whole grains
- Omega-3s (flaxseed, walnuts)
- Vitamin D & calcium–rich foods
Who Should Treat RA — Rheumatologist or Orthopedic?
Rheumatologist:
- Expert in immune-based diseases
- Prescribes and monitors DMARDs, biologics
- Manages organs like lungs, liver, kidneys
- Handles pregnancy planning and long-term monitoring
Orthopedic Surgeon:
- Not trained to prescribe or monitor systemic RA meds
- Helps only in advanced cases with joint surgery
RA needs medical control, not just joint surgery.
How Can I Help Myself Live Better With RA?
- Stick to your treatment plan
- Ask about flare pills or booster doses when needed
- Strength train daily (to build muscle, prevent fractures, and boost immunity)
- Meditate 10–15 minutes
- Eat high-protein, balanced meals
- Avoid alcohol and smoking
- Complete your vaccination schedule (e.g., flu, pneumonia, shingles)
- Avoid unhygienic food and treat infections early
- Correct vitamin D and B12 levels
- Report early (Cough, Breathlessness, Oral ulcers and Fatigue or rash)
How We Treat RA at Nirjara’s Multi-Specialty Clinic
At Nirjara, led by Dr. Nilesh Nolkha, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist:
- We treat RA holistically — joints, organs, lifestyle
- We use DMARDs, biologics, and exercise strategies
- We reduce steroid/painkiller use as early as possible
- We guide on safe pregnancy, vaccination, and infection prevention
- We promote strength training and high-protein diet to reduce flares, boost recovery, and improve immunity
- We offer affordable medicines through bulk-order programs
- We treat not just joints — we treat you as a whole
Our motto: Freedom from Pain. Strength in Science. Support for Life.
Stay Informed with Nirjara
- Arthritis and rheumatism
- Dental care and jaw pain
- Healthy, affordable diet plans
- Exercises for joint strength and mobility
- Clinic updates and patient programs in Mumbai?