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Serious severity
· Orthopedics
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Auto-immune joint disease
Immune system attacks joints, causing symmetric swelling and damage. Early DMARDs can put many patients into remission.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- About 1% of Indians
- Typical age
- 30–60 years
- Outlook
- Manageable with early DMARDs
- System
- Bones
Reviewed by a verified Orthopedics doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Auto-immune mechanism
- Genetic susceptibility (HLA-DR4)
- Smoking
- Female sex
- Gum disease association
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Symmetric joint swelling
- Morning stiffness over 1 hour
- Small joints of hands and feet first
- Fatigue, low-grade fever
- Joint deformities in late
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Methotrexate as anchor DMARD
- Biologic DMARDs if needed
- Short steroid bursts
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Joint surgery for severe damage
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Stop smoking — biggest modifier
- Maintain healthy weight
- Good dental hygiene
- Early diagnosis matters
Do’s
- Start DMARDs early
- Get pneumonia vaccine before biologics
- Exercise within tolerance
- Eat anti-inflammatory diet
Don’ts
- Smoke or vape
- Self-stop methotrexate
- Take oral steroids long-term
- Skip annual eye check
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.