Doctor Specialist Vo Van Man , Head of Orthopedic Trauma Department, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital replied: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, commonly found in middle-aged women. The disease occurs when the immune system - which has the function of protecting the body - mistakenly identifies and attacks healthy tissues, especially the mucosa surrounding the joints. The consequences are inflammation, swelling, pain, stiffness in the joints and if not treated early can lead to deformity and loss of motor function. The disease often attacks many joints at the same time such as the joints of the hands, wrists, knees, etc.
Causes and risk factors
Currently, the specific cause of the disease has not been clearly identified. However, according to many reputable medical documents, there are a number of factors that increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis such as:
- Genetics: If someone in your family has had the disease, your risk is higher.
- Gender: Women are at higher risk than men.
- Age: Can occur at any age, most common in middle age.
- Lifestyle: Smoking, prolonged stress, or a polluted living environment also contribute to increased risk of disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis in the wrist
PHOTO: BSCC
What symptoms do patients usually have?
Patients may experience symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time; swollen, hot, red, tender or deformed joints, fatigue, loss of appetite, high fever, sometimes with nodules under the skin, tingling in the hands and feet, shortness of breath.
Can rheumatoid arthritis be cured completely?
Currently, rheumatoid arthritis has no complete cure, but it can be well controlled, symptoms reduced, disease progression slowed and the patient can live a healthy life.
Patients may experience symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the joints.
PHOTO: AI
Do you have to take medicine for life?
Rheumatoid arthritis often requires long-term treatment. However, it is not always necessary to stay on the same medication for life.
Depending on the progression of the disease, the treating physician will consider adjusting the regimen, reducing the dose or switching to a milder medication if the condition is stable. It is important that the patient should not stop taking the medication on their own but should follow the instructions and have regular check-ups.
Advice from the doctor
"Although it cannot be completely cured, if patients are persistent, optimistic and comply with treatment, they can still live a healthy life and minimize the impact of the disease on their lives," Dr. Man shared.
Some tips to help control rheumatoid arthritis effectively: Take medication as prescribed, do not stop taking medication on your own; have regular check-ups to adjust the regimen if necessary, maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, keep your mind relaxed, and avoid stress, which can easily cause the disease to relapse.
Wishing Lan Phuong and all patients being treated for rheumatoid arthritis to always stay strong and effectively follow the regimen to live healthy every day.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/alo-bac-si-nghe-viem-khop-dang-thap-co-the-chua-khoi-hoan-toan-18525062619022254.htm
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