Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease which usually affects middle aged females(40-60yr), though individuals of any age or gender can be affected. Early symptoms include Early morning stiffness, difficulty in making fist, swelling in small joints of hands, dryness and irritation of eyes and mouth. With progression of disease in the abscence of treatment deformities start appearing in the joints of hands and feet. The early phase of disease which is first 3-6 months from start of disease is important as patients whose treatment is started during this period have good prognosis and more chances of going into remission. The treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis involves certain oral medicines and then advanced treatment in the form of biologicals. The rheumatologist will start RA patient on oral treatment in indicated dosages as per standard guidelines which can reduce the pains and decrease chances of residual deformities. Exercises are advised in all patients and diet has not been found to affect arthritis in allopathy medicine. Meeting a Rheumatologist early in disease is very important in RA patients. Smoking can aggrevate this arthritis.
