Rheumatoid
Arthritis
RA usually starts in the person’s 30s or 40s [3], developing over weeks to months [4]. It attacks symmetrical joints in the hands, wrists and feet, with:
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Swelling
Other joints can be affected, but not usually the back [4].
As well as joint problems, people with RA can experience fatigue, fevers, and problems with their skin, nerves, heart and blood vessels, spleen, lungs, eyes and kidneys.
Research suggests RA is caused by multiple factors, for example:
- A gene has been identified which makes people prone to developing RA [5]
- First-degree relatives of someone with RA are more likely than second-degree relatives to develop RA [6]
- A person related to someone with young onset RA (aged 17-65) is more likely to develop RA than if their relative developed RA after the age of 65 [6]
- Cigarette smoking is the strongest known risk factor for RA [7].
RA is diagnosed mainly by symptoms and physical examination [8]. It is usual for people diagnosed with RA to be referred to a rheumatologist as it can be complex to manage.
Diagnostic tests ordered are listed in Table 1; other tests may be required to exclude other diagnoses and complications of RA. Most people with RA have anti-CCP and/or RhF antibodies, called seropositive RA. Seropositive RA is associated with more severe disease [9].
TABLE 1
Tests used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis
| Blood tests [10] |
|
|---|---|
| X-Rays or other imaging [8] |
|
*CRP = C-reactive protein, ESR = Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
**Anti-CCP = Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide; RhF = Rheumatoid factor
Treatment should begin within 12 weeks of diagnosis. This is “the window of opportunity” where intensive treatment can increase likelihood of earlier remission, better physical functioning and quality of life [11].
Your doctor will usually start you on a steroid to help with joint symptoms.
At this time or soon after, a conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) is usually started by your rheumatologist. DMARDs are the mainstay of treatment as they slow or even halt disease progression.
However, sometimes more than one drug is required due to adverse effects or poor response.
All DMARDs require regular monitoring. Depending on the drug, adverse effects include abdominal pain, nausea, mouth ulcers, anaemia, kidney or liver toxicity, increased risk of infection or cancer.
Seek medical advice for additional information on available medications.
Currently, there is no cure, and no strong evidence for any particular diet [14] or supplements [15–17] although supervised exercise may help [18,19]
New treatment under development at the Bionics Institute
Bionics Institute researchers are developing an electrical medical device for people with rheumatoid arthritis that aims to:
• Provide a drug-free treatment for rheumatoid arthritis using vagus nerve stimulation
• Trigger the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response to reduce inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis
• Give long-term relief from pain and disability without the side effects of drug treatment.
How does it work?
• A tiny electrode array is attached to the vagus nerve just under the diaphragm
• The vagus nerve connects the brain to the gut and controls natural anti-inflammatory processes in the body
• The vagus nerve is stimulated by the electrode array in response to inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis
• The vagus nerve initiates a natural anti-inflammatory response and reduces the pain and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• The electrode array is powered by a small battery implanted at hip level.
• The battery only needs to be replaced every 10 years ensuring the device provides a set-and-forget treatment
• The treatment causes fewer side effects than medications
Want to support the future of research like this?
Early-stage research for life-changing devices like this is made possible by donations from our supporters.
Your support today could turn the seed of an idea into a new treatment in the future.
Medical disclaimer
This article contains general information relating to a medical condition. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice given by your healthcare professional.
References
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2. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Arthritis. CC-BY 4.0 [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2022 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/arthritis/contents/arthritis
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