I have been diagnosed to have Rheumatoid Arthritis; what next? How would I fare in the long run?

The course of Rheumatoid Arthritis is quite variable and difficult to predict in any individual. Most of the patients have a fluctuating disease course. There is a lot of scientific evidence that shows that starting definitive (Disease Modifying drugs like methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, infliximab or etanercept ) therapy early leads to better outcome. The course of Rheumatoid Arthritis is marked by remissions and flares.

How is remission achieved in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

A number of disease modifying drugs (like methotrexate, leflunomide, hydroxychloroquine, infliximab or etanercept ) are now available to induce remission in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

What brings on the flare in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Several factors can bring up a flare of joint swelling and pain in a patient of Rheumatoid Arthritis. This may be brought on by a viral infection, dietary changes or missing of medications.

I have been diagnosed to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Will I become disabled later in life? I know of my friend's granny who is presently confined to bed due to rheumatoid arthritis.

We do have a number of effective medicines for rheumatoid arthritis. We are luckier than our grand parents in this respect. However, you need to consult a Rheumatologist at the earliest & follow up with him on a regular basis to avoid deformities.

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis run in families?

Yes. Rheumatoid arthritis does run in a few families. About 10% patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis do have a close family member suffering from the same. However, as already pointed out, it is seen only in 10% patients.

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis have a genetic cause?

A few genes do predispose to Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, one may have the gene & still not have Rheumatoid Arthritis & there are many patients who don't have the particular gene but still have Rheumatoid Arthritis.

My mother has arthritis at the age of 75. I am only 30! Why did I get it so early?

Different types of arthritis occur at different ages. Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur at any age. The type occurring in children is known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. The type of arthritis that commonly occurs in elderly individuals is osteoarthritis of the knee. You can find the details about osteoarthritis here.

What is ESR? Why is my ESR high?

ESR is a blood test to measure the inflammation in the body. Arthritis patients have high ESR due to the ongoing inflammation in the joints. However, arthritis is not the only condition associated with high ESR. Infections, other autoimmune diseases will also lead to a high ESR. It is best left to the doctor to interpret the ESR result.

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Created on: April 2007

Last updated on: April 2011