How rheumatoid arthritis affects the whole body

From msn.com/en-us

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often in a symmetrical pattern. Beyond the joints, it can damage cartilage, bone, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and may lead to severe complications affecting the heart, lungs, skin, eyes, and other organs. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to managing symptoms, preventing permanent damage, and reducing the risk of life-threatening conditions.

Morning Stiffness as a Hallmark of Rheumatoid Arthritis

                                                                                       ©Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images

In rheumatoid arthritis, joint stiffness is often most severe in the morning and can persist for over 60 minutes. This prolonged stiffness, especially when affecting the same joints on both sides of the body, helps distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis. Recognizing this symptom can aid in earlier diagnosis and treatment to prevent joint damage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Often Causes Symmetrical Joint Pain

           ©Photo By BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesIn rheumatoid arthritis, joint pain typically appears in the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both wrists, hands, or feet. This symmetrical pattern is a distinguishing feature that helps doctors differentiate RA from other types of arthritis. Recognizing this sign can lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, which may help prevent long-term joint damage.
Joint Swelling Can Occur Before It Is Visible

©Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty ImagesIn rheumatoid arthritis, patients may feel swelling in joints such as the wrists and fingers before it can be seen by others. This early swelling can cause discomfort and interfere with tasks like fitting into shoes or performing fine motor activities. Recognizing these subtle symptoms can help prompt earlier evaluation and treatment.
Inflammation in RA Destroys Cartilage and Bone

©Photo By BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesIn rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system’s persistent inflammation can damage the cartilage that cushions joints and erode the underlying bone. This process may cause deformities, joint fusion, and loss of mobility. Without early and aggressive treatment, such damage is often permanent.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Cause Foot Deformities

                                                                                            ©Photo by: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

In advanced stages, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to visible foot deformities such as claw toes, hammer toes, and bunions. These changes result from joint damage, cartilage loss, and weakened tendons and ligaments. Such deformities may impair mobility and make walking or wearing certain shoes difficult.

Muscle Loss Can Develop Early in Rheumatoid Arthritis

                                                                                                                           ©Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images

Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to significant decreases in muscle mass and strength within the first year after onset. This muscle loss, identified in imaging studies, is a serious complication that requires both controlling the underlying inflammation and engaging in rehabilitation to regain strength. Early recognition and treatment are important to minimize long-term functional impairment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Doubles Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

                                                                                                                              ©Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images.

People with rheumatoid arthritis face roughly twice the risk of heart attack and stroke compared to those without the condition. This elevated risk is linked to systemic inflammation, which can damage blood vessels and contribute to cardiovascular disease. Long-term RA may further increase the likelihood of these serious events.

Heart Disease as a Major Risk for RA Patients

   ©Photo By BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

People with rheumatoid arthritis face a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis, heart attack, and arrhythmias. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among RA patients, with the risk of heart attack and stroke roughly doubling compared to the general population. Long-term RA can increase this risk even further, making cardiovascular health a critical concern in RA management.

RA-Related Vasculitis Can Threaten Vital Organ Function

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In severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis can cause vasculitis, an inflammation of blood vessels that reduces blood flow. This condition may impair circulation to vital organs such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to limit damage and preserve organ function.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Interstitial Lung Disease

                                                                                                                               ©Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis develop interstitial lung disease, a condition that causes inflammation and scarring of lung tissue. This lung involvement can lead to progressive shortness of breath and reduced respiratory function. Early recognition and treatment of RA may help lower the risk of such complications.

Rheumatoid Lung as a Complication of RA

                                                            ©Photo By BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images. Lung, X-Ray Result. 

Rheumatoid arthritis can affect organs as well as joints, and may lead to a condition known as rheumatoid lung. This lung involvement is one of several possible complications of the disease. Early treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can help prevent or delay such complications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Cause Breathing Difficulties

                                                                                                       ©Photo By BSIP/UIG Via Getty Images

Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to lung complications such as interstitial lung disease. This condition damages lung tissue and may cause persistent shortness of breath, particularly during physical activity. Early diagnosis and treatment of RA can help reduce the risk of severe lung involvement.

Secondary Sjögren’s Syndrome in Rheumatoid Arthritis

                                                                        ©Photo by Orlando /Three Lions/Getty Images. circa 1950

People with rheumatoid arthritis can develop secondary Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition that targets moisture-producing glands. This can lead to inflammation of the tear glands, resulting in chronic eye dryness. Symptoms are generally milder than in primary Sjögren’s syndrome but can still affect comfort and eye health.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/how-rheumatoid-arthritis-affects-the-whole-body/ss-AA25r65I

Tiny Walking Changes Could Slow Knee Arthritis Down

From huffingtonpost.co.uk

There's a possibility it could even help delay surgery, researchers suggest 

While arthritis flare-ups can make you feel the need to rest more, the Arthritis Foundation described movement as the “best medicine” for the condition.

Exercise strengthens the muscles around your joints, creating better support for your bones. Staying active also lubricates affected areas, making them less stiff.

And according to research published in the journal The Lancet Rheumatology, a simple walking change can “reduce excessive joint loading related to disease progression”.

In other words, the smallest of changes to a person’s foot position could help to stop knee arthritis from becoming worse.

How might your foot position help with arthritis?

In this study, the foot position of 68 participants with mild knee osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) seemed to affect how much stress was placed on their joints.

After gait analysis, computer models were used to find their optimal foot position. Half of the people involved underwent training to adjust their feet to their best walking posture, while others were left to keep strolling as they were.

They found that walkers who got used to changing their foot angle to the optimised position saw slower degeneration of their knee cartilage (the shock-absorbing tissue in joints which tends to break down in those with arthritis) than those who didn’t.

Their pain score also went down 2.5 points, which was equivalent to the benefits seen from pain-relieving medication.

Participants who didn’t adjust their feet, meanwhile, only enjoyed a roughly one-point pain reduction.

And advanced MRI analysis showed that those who adjusted their feet according to the researchers’ guidelines experienced 4% less load on their knees while walking. Those who stayed the same saw a 3% increase in load.

More load, or stress, on arthritic knee joints can make the condition worse.

Researchers hope simple interventions like these could delay surgery

“Altogether, our findings suggest that helping patients find their best foot angle to reduce stress on their knees may offer an easy and fairly inexpensive way to address early-stage osteoarthritis,” said Dr Valentina Mazzoli, study co-author and assistant professor of radiology at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine.

“These results highlight the importance of personalising treatment instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to osteoarthritis.”

She added that the intervention could even help to put off invasive medical procedures, which are sometimes needed in severe arthritis cases, for longer.

“Although our results will have to be confirmed in future studies, they raise the possibility that the new, non-invasive treatment could help delay surgery,” she shared.

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/walking-changes-slow-knee-arthritis_uk_6a2923eee4b0a99062fa753f

Doctors May Be Overlooking the Real Cause of Persistent Arthritis Pain

From scitechdaily.com

A new study suggests that lingering rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are not always caused by ongoing inflammation.

For people with rheumatoid arthritis, lingering pain and fatigue are often assumed to be signs that inflammation remains active. But new research suggests the real culprit may sometimes lie elsewhere. Researchers at Semmelweis University report that sleep disorders, depression, obesity, and smoking can help sustain symptoms even when inflammation is under control, potentially trapping patients in self-reinforcing cycles that are difficult to break.

In studies published in Nature Reviews Rheumatology and The Lancet Rheumatology, the team introduced a model designed to help doctors identify and address the underlying causes of symptoms sooner.

The researchers examined the connections between depression, smoking, obesity, sleep problems, and other health conditions in people with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. György Nagy and Lilla Gunkl-Tóth, authors of the study, with a patient. Credit: Semmelweis University

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. The disease affects tens of thousands of people in Hungary. While most patients respond to treatment, an estimated 6 to 28 percent fall into the “difficult-to-treat” category because they do not achieve sustained remission despite therapy.

The findings suggest that conditions such as depression, obesity, smoking, and sleep disorders do more than simply occur alongside rheumatoid arthritis. They may also contribute to the persistence of the disease and its symptoms.

The Vicious Cycle of Pain, Depression, and Poor Sleep

For example, pain and depression can reduce physical activity, contribute to weight gain, and worsen both sleep quality and mood. These effects can then intensify pain and interfere with daily functioning, creating a self-reinforcing cycle that is difficult to break.

In addition to identifying these patterns, the researchers developed a model aimed at improving care for patients with difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis. Under the widely used “treat-to-target” strategy, doctors regularly track measurable indicators of disease activity and adjust treatment if inflammation remains uncontrolled. This may involve increasing medication doses or switching to a different therapy.

The researchers argue that this approach can serve another purpose as well. It may act as an “early warning system” that helps identify cases in which symptoms are not primarily caused by inflammation.

“When target values improve, but the patient still suffers from pain and fatigue, it is worth taking a step back. In such cases, instead of automatically prescribing more medication, doctors should look for what is maintaining the symptoms – whether it is chronic pain syndrome, depression, sleep disorders, or obesity,” said Dr. György Nagy, head of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Semmelweis University.

Dr. György Nagy and Lilla Gunkl-Tóth discussing their findings. Credit: Semmelweis University

A New Early Warning System for Persistent Symptoms

The team has observed that this approach can improve outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat disease. In many cases, it may also strengthen the relationship between doctors and patients.

Their model has gained significant international attention. The publications that introduced the concept of difficult-to-treat disease and the associated treatment strategy have been cited more than 1,000 times by other researchers. The definition is now used worldwide not only for rheumatoid arthritis but also for other medical conditions.

The researchers are now focused on the next phase of their work. Alongside their ongoing studies, they plan to participate in projects that use artificial intelligence to develop more effective treatments for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

“With AI-based pattern recognition, we could identify subgroups among patients, and with the help of these data, we could create more effective, almost personalized treatment strategies for them,” explained Dr. Lilla Gunkl-Tóth, PhD student at Semmelweis University and first author of the publications.

https://scitechdaily.com/doctors-may-be-overlooking-the-real-cause-of-persistent-arthritis-pain/

Expert shares the steps you can take to reduce risk of arthritis

From kvia.com

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) - According to Dr. Karim A. Elsharkawy, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery and Director of Joint Replacement Services at Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, while there is no cure for arthritis taking steps like leading an active lifestyle can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

Dr. Elsharkawy said that viewing arthritis as an age related disease is a misconception, genetics and family history or even blood pressure or cholesterol issues are more likely to lead to the development of Arthritis.

"I have patients coming in saying my mom had a knee replacement, my dad had a hip replacement, somebody in the family had history of a joint problem or arthritis. That is the most common cause," Dr.Elsharkawy said. "We see this more commonly in younger, more active patients, especially if they sustained injuries growing up like cruciate ligament injuries or an injury to the knee or hip that involved cartilage."

Dr. Elsharkawy says exercise can help reduce people's risk in addition to maintaining a healthy weight to put less stress on the joints, but he advised to do any physical activities with the proper equipment.

Also, when it comes to exercise, Dr. Elsharkawy recommended stretching before and after, wearing proper form fitting shoes, and gradually escalating intensity to prevent injury.

In addition to these recommendations, Dr. Elsharkawy said even though some soreness is normal after exercise people should not hesitate to ask for medical help if the pain lingers without getting any better.

He said there is no cure for Arthritis, there is also no treatment to prevent it but early detection is ideal so the consultation and tests can be 'quick and easy.'

https://kvia.com/news/top-stories/2026/06/07/expert-shares-the-steps-you-can-take-to-reduce-risk-of-arthritis/ 

10 foods that can help or harm arthritis

From msn.com/en-us

Certain foods can reduce inflammation and support joint health, while others may worsen arthritis symptoms. Anti-inflammatory options such as fatty fish, berries, green tea, turmeric, and nuts may help ease pain and protect cartilage. In contrast, added sugars, processed meats, omega-6-rich oils, refined carbohydrates, and excessive alcohol can increase inflammation and aggravate discomfort.

Fatty Fish Help Reduce Arthritis Inflammation

©Photo by Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images. 

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, both linked to reducing inflammation and easing arthritis symptoms. Studies show that eating these fish at least twice a week is associated with lower disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Health organizations recommend regular servings to help manage joint pain and support overall health. 

Berries' Antioxidants May Ease Arthritis Inflammation

©Photo by Sebastian Kahnert/picture alliance via Getty Images

Berries, including blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are rich in antioxidants such as anthocyanins. These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Consuming them fresh, frozen, or dehydrated without added sugar can provide these benefits while supporting overall health.

EGCG in Green Tea Supports Joint Health

©Photo by Chantal CASANOVA/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images. GREEN TEA. 

Green tea contains the antioxidant epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which research suggests can reduce inflammation and slow cartilage damage in arthritis. Regular consumption, such as two servings daily without added sugar, may help protect joints and support overall joint health.

Turmeric's Curcumin May Ease Arthritis Pain

©Photo by Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural compound with notable anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests it may help reduce arthritis-related joint pain and swelling, especially when combined with black pepper to improve absorption. Incorporating turmeric into meals is a safe and flavourful way to potentially support joint health.

Numerous high-quality studies and research indicate that turmeric contains compounds with medicinal properties. These have significant benefits for the body and brain, and are beneficial for conditions like osteoarthritis, obesity, cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Turmeric is also good for the liver and acts as an antifungal and antibacterial agent. Many of these benefits are attributed to its main active ingredient, curcumin. Turmeric is also the spice that gives curry its yellow colour and has been used in India for thousands of years as both a spice and a medicinal herb.

Nuts Provide Anti-Inflammatory Benefits for Joint Health

©Photo by Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images

Nuts like walnuts and almonds are high in healthy fats, fibre, and antioxidants that can help lower inflammation and support joint function. Research links regular nut consumption to reduced risk of inflammatory diseases, including arthritis. They are an easy, nutrient-dense snack that may contribute to better joint health over time.

Added Sugars May Aggravate Arthritis Symptoms

Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images. 

Research indicates that consuming added sugars, such as those in soda, desserts, and processed foods, can increase inflammation in the body. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, sugar-sweetened beverages are often reported as major triggers for worsening pain and discomfort. Limiting these sugars may help manage symptoms and improve overall joint health.

Processed and Red Meats May Worsen Arthritis Symptoms

©Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images

Research suggests that consuming processed meats such as bacon and sausages, as well as red meats, is linked to higher levels of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). These markers are associated with increased inflammation, which can aggravate arthritis symptoms. Diets that limit or exclude these meats in favour of plant-based options may help reduce inflammation and improve symptom management.

Omega-6-Rich Oils and Inflammation Risk

©Photo by Derek Davis/Portland Portland Press Herald via Getty Images. 

Corn, sunflower, and soybean oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation if consumed in excess without adequate omega-3 intake. These oils are frequently found in processed and fast foods, making them easy to overconsume. Choosing alternatives like olive or avocado oil and incorporating omega-3-rich foods may help balance dietary fats and reduce inflammation.

Refined Carbohydrates May Worsen Joint Pain

©Photo by SSPL/Getty Images. 

Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white rice, and pasta can cause rapid increases in blood sugar, which may trigger inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can contribute to chronic joint pain in people with arthritis. Choosing whole grains instead can help reduce these effects and support joint health.

Excessive Alcohol Can Aggravate Arthritis Symptoms

©Photo by ASIF HASSAN/AFP via Getty Images

Regular heavy alcohol use can inflame the gut lining and contribute to a condition known as leaky gut, which may worsen the body's inflammatory response. It can also interfere with the effectiveness of arthritis medications, making symptom control more difficult. Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake may help lower inflammation and ease joint discomfort.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/10-foods-that-can-help-or-harm-arthritis/ss-AA24AJZU

Depression and Sleep Problems May Sustain Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

From technologynetworks.com

Depression, sleep problems, obesity and smoking may sustain difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

According to researchers at Semmelweis University, not only inflammation, but also sleep disorders, depression, obesity, and smoking may sustain persistent rheumatic symptoms. In their publications in the journals Nature Reviews Rheumatology and The Lancet Rheumatology, they also proposed a model that can help identify and treat the true causes of symptoms in time.

Researchers at Semmelweis University analysed how depression, smoking, obesity, sleep disorders, and other health problems are linked to difficult-to-treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It affects tens of thousands of people in Hungary only. Most patients respond well to treatment, but 6–28 percent belong to the so-called “difficult-to-treat” group because they do not achieve lasting remission despite therapy.

According to the publications in Nature Reviews Rheumatology and The Lancet Rheumatology, these factors may not only coexist with the disease but may also help maintain it.

For example, pain and depression may reduce physical activity, increase body weight, worsen sleep and mood – all of which can feed back into pain and everyday functioning, creating a difficult-to-break “vicious cycle.”

The researchers not only identified these patterns but also developed a new model that could improve the treatment of such difficult-to-treat patients. Under the currently used “treat-to-target” therapeutic approach, patients’ conditions are regularly monitored using measurable indicators, and if treatment does not sufficiently reduce inflammation, therapy is adjusted – for example by increasing the medication dose or switching to another drug. However, according to the researchers, this approach can function not only as a therapy but also as a kind of “early warning system”: it can quickly indicate when symptoms may not be caused solely – or at all – by inflammation.

“When target values improve but the patient still suffers from pain and fatigue, it is worth taking a step back. In such cases, instead of automatically prescribing more medication, doctors should look for what is maintaining the symptoms – whether it is chronic pain syndrome, depression, sleep disorders, or obesity,” said Dr. György Nagy, head of the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Semmelweis University. The researchers themselves have observed that this approach can improve outcomes for difficult-to-treat patients, and in many cases it can also positively affect the doctor–patient relationship.

The researchers’ model has achieved major international recognition: the publications introducing the concept of “difficult-to-treat” disease and the related treatment strategy have already been cited more than a thousand times by other researchers. Moreover, the definition is now used worldwide not only in the context of rheumatoid arthritis but also in connection with other diseases.

Meanwhile, the team is already working on the next steps: alongside their own research, they are planning to join projects that would use artificial intelligence to develop even more effective therapies for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

“With AI-based pattern recognition, we could identify subgroups among patients, and with the help of these data we could create more effective, almost personalized treatment strategies for them,” explained Dr. Lilla Gunkl-Tóth, PhD student at Semmelweis University and first author of the publications.

https://www.technologynetworks.com/tn/news/depression-and-sleep-problems-may-sustain-rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms-412951 

Arthritis cases on the rise as doctors warn of early signs often ignored

From standardmedia.co.ke

Arthritis often begins subtly, with morning stiffness or joint aches that are easily mistaken for fatigue or ageing. Over time, it can worsen, limiting movement, disrupting sleep and reducing quality of life. The condition covers more than 100 disorders affecting joints, muscles and connective tissues, and can occur at any age.

Doctors warn that many people dismiss early symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. The most common form, osteoarthritis, is a “wear-and-tear” condition caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness, particularly in the knees, hips, fingers and lower back.

It is more prevalent among older adults, people with excess weight, and those in physically demanding jobs involving prolonged standing, lifting or kneeling.

                                                                                                                            [Courtesy/iStock]

Grace Achando Opwoche, 63, is living with osteoarthritis, which she believes developed after years of strenuous work and weight gain. Persistent pain has made walking and daily tasks increasingly difficult.

“From my doctor’s explanation, I came to believe that the nature of my job contributed a lot to the persistent joint pains,” she says. “My work required a lot of standing and moving around for long hours. I have also added extra weight over the years, which is weakening my joints.”

Dr Boniface Adhiambo explains that cartilage acts as a shock absorber between bones. When it wears down, movement becomes painful and even basic activities such as climbing stairs can become difficult.

Another major form is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue. Unlike osteoarthritis, it often affects both sides of the body simultaneously, such as both wrists or both knees.

Doctors warn that if left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can also damage other organs, including the lungs, eyes and heart.

“Rheumatoid arthritis is not simply joint pain,” says Dr Adhiambo. “It is a systemic disease that may cause fatigue, fever, weight loss and prolonged morning stiffness lasting more than an hour.”

Gout is another increasingly common form, caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It typically strikes suddenly, causing intense pain, redness and swelling, often in the big toe, ankle or foot.

It is associated with diets high in red meat, sugary drinks, processed foods and alcohol, and is more common among people with obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

Psoriatic arthritis and juvenile arthritis can affect both adults and children, causing joint pain, swelling and fatigue. In children, juvenile arthritis may also affect growth and daily functioning. Doctors caution that persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling and fatigue should not be ignored.

Joint pain may also result from other conditions such as viral infections, fibromyalgia and lupus. Rising obesity levels, sedentary lifestyles and nutrient deficiencies are increasing risk among younger people, while injuries can lead to post-traumatic arthritis if joints fail to heal properly.

There is no cure for most forms of arthritis, but early diagnosis and treatment, alongside physiotherapy, exercise and weight management, can help preserve mobility. With cases rising globally, arthritis is becoming an increasingly significant public health concern, affecting movement, independence and overall quality of life.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/health/amp/features/article/2001548590/arthritis-cases-on-the-rise-as-doctors-warn-of-early-signs-often-ignored