Consumer Information Center Rheumatoid Arthritis

Diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis is a team effort between the patient and several types of health care professionals. A person can go to his or her family doctor or internist or to a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other diseases of the joints, bones, and muscles. As treatment progresses, other professionals often help. These may include nurses, physical or occupational therapists, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, and social workers.

Studies have shown that people who are well informed and participate actively in their own care experience less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor than do other people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Patient education and arthritis self-management programs, as well as support groups, help people to become better informed and to participate in their own care. An example of a self-management program is the arthritis self-help course offered by the Arthritis Foundation and developed at one of the NIAMS-supported Multipurpose Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases Centers. Self-management programs teach about rheumatoid arthritis and its treatments, exercise and relaxation approaches, patient/health care provider communication, and problem solving. Research on these programs has shown that they have the following clear and long-lasting benefits:

• They help people understand the disease.
• They help people reduce their pain while remaining active.
• They help people cope physically, emotionally, and mentally.
• They help people feel greater control over their disease and help build a sense of confidence in the ability to function and lead a full, active, and independent life.

DIAGNOSIS
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages for several reasons. First, there is no single test for the disease. In addition, symptoms differ from person to person and can be more severe in some people than in others. Also, symptoms can be similar to those of other types of arthritis and joint conditions, and it may take some time for other conditions to be ruled out as possible diagnoses. Finally, the full range of symptoms develops over time, and only a few symptoms may be present in the early stages. As a result, doctors use a variety of tools to diagnose the disease and to rule out other conditions:

Medical history: This is the patient’s description of symptoms and when and how they began. Good communication between patient and doctor is especially important here. For example, the patient’s description of pain, stiffness, and joint function and how these change over time is critical to the doctor’s initial assessment of the disease and his or her assessment of how the disease changes.

Physical examination:This includes the doctor’s examination of the joints, skin, reflexes, and muscle strength.

Laboratory tests: One common test is for rheumatoid factor, an antibody that is eventually present in the blood of most rheumatoid arthritis patients. (An antibody is a special protein made by the immune system that normally helps fight foreign substances in the body.) Not all people with rheumatoid arthritis test positive for rheumatoid factor, however, especially early in the disease. And, some others who do test positive never develop the disease. Other common tests include one that indicates the presence of inflammation in the body (the erythrocyte sedimentation rate), a white blood cell count, and a blood test for anemia.

X rays: X rays are used to determine the degree of joint destruction. They are not useful in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis before bone damage is evident, but they can be used later to monitor the progression of the disease.

TREATMENT
Doctors use a variety of approaches to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These are used in different combinations and at different times during the course of the disease and are chosen according to the patient’s individual situation. No matter what treatment the doctor and patient choose, however, the goals are the same: relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow down or stop joint damage, and improve the person’s sense of well-being and ability to function.

Treatment is another key area for communication between patient and doctor. Talking to the doctor can help ensure that exercise and pain management programs are provided as needed and that drugs are prescribed appropriately. Talking can also help in making decisions about surgery.

Lifestyle
This approach includes several activities that help improve a person’s ability to function independently and maintain a positive outlook.

Rest and exercise: Both rest and exercise help in important ways. People with rheumatoid arthritis need a good balance between the two, with more rest when the disease is active and more exercise when it is not. Rest helps to reduce active joint inflammation and pain and to fight fatigue. The length of time needed for rest will vary from person to person, but in general, shorter rest breaks every now and then are more helpful than long times spent in bed.

Exercise is important for maintaining healthy and strong muscles, preserving joint mobility, and maintaining flexibility. Exercise can also help people sleep well, reduce pain, maintain a positive attitude, and lose weight. Exercise programs should be planned and carried out to take into account the person’s physical abilities, limitations, and changing needs.

Care of joints: Some people find that using a splint for a short time around a painful joint reduces pain and swelling by supporting the joint and letting it rest. Splints are used mostly on wrists and hands, but also on ankles and feet. A doctor or a physical or occupational therapist can help a patient get a splint and ensure that it fits properly. Other ways to reduce stress on joints include self-help devices (for example, zipper pullers, long-handled shoe horns); devices to help with getting on and off chairs, toilet seats, and beds; and changes in the ways that a person carries out daily activities.

Stress reduction: People with rheumatoid arthritis face emotional challenges as well as physical ones. The emotions they feel because of the disease—fear, anger, frustration—combined with any pain and physical limitations can increase their stress level. Although there is no evidence that stress plays a role in causing rheumatoid arthritis, it can make living with the disease difficult at times. Stress may also affect the amount of pain a person feels. There are a number of successful techniques for coping with stress. Regular rest periods can help, as can relaxation, distraction, or visualization exercises. Exercise programs, participation in support groups, and good communication with the health care team are other ways to reduce stress.

Healthful diet: With the exception of several specific types of oils (mentioned in the Current Research section), there is no scientific evidence that any specific food or nutrient helps or harms most people with rheumatoid arthritis. However, an overall nutritious diet with enough—but not an excess of—calories, protein, and calcium is important. Some people may need to be careful about drinking alcoholic beverages because of the medications they take for rheumatoid arthritis. Those taking methotrexate may need to avoid alcohol altogether. Patients should ask their doctors for guidance on this issue.

Climate: Some people notice that their arthritis gets worse when there is a sudden change in the weather. However, there is no evidence that a specific climate can prevent or reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Moving to a new place with a different climate usually does not make a long-term difference in a person's rheumatoid arthritis.

Medications
Most people who have rheumatoid arthritis take medications. Some medications are used only for pain relief; others are used to reduce inflammation. Still others—often called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or DMARDs—are used to try to slow the course of the disease. The person’s general condition, the current and predicted severity of the illness, the length of time he or she will take the drug, and the drug’s effectiveness and potential side effects are important considerations in prescribing drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. The table starting on page 20 shows currently used rheumatoid arthritis medications, along with their effects, side effects, and monitoring requirements.

Traditionally, rheumatoid arthritis therapy has involved an approach in which doctors prescribed aspirin or similar drugs, rest, and physical therapy first, and prescribed more powerful drugs later only if the disease became much worse. Recently, many doctors have changed their approach, especially for patients with severe, rapidly progressing rheumatoid arthritis. This change is based on the belief that early treatment with more powerful drugs, and the use of drug combinations in place of single drugs, may be more effective ways to halt the progression of the disease and reduce or prevent joint damage.

SurgerySeveral types of surgery are available to patients with severe joint damage. These procedures can help reduce pain, improve the affected joint’s function and appearance, and improve the patient’s ability to perform daily activities. Surgery is not for everyone, however, and the decision should be made only after careful consideration by patient and doctor. Together they should discuss the patient’s overall health and the effects of a surgical procedure, the condition of the joint or tendon that will be operated on, and the reason for and cost of the surgery. Surgical procedures include joint replacement, tendon reconstruction, and synovectomy.

Joint replacement: This is the most frequently performed surgery for rheumatoid arthritis, and it is done to relieve pain, improve or preserve joint function, and improve appearance. In making a decision about replacing a joint, people with rheumatoid arthritis should consider that some artificial joints function more like normal human joints than do others. Also, artificial joints are not always permanent and may eventually have to be replaced. This may be an issue for younger people.

Tendon reconstruction:Rheumatoid arthritis can damage and even rupture tendons, the tissues that attach muscle to bone. This surgery, which is used most frequently on the hands, reconstructs the damaged tendon by attaching an intact tendon to it. This procedure can help to restore some hand function, particularly if it is done early, before the tendon is completely ruptured.

Synovectomy :In this surgery, the doctor actually removes the inflamed synovial tissue. Synovectomy by itself is seldom performed now because not all of the tissue can be removed, and it eventually grows back. Synovectomy is done as part of reconstructive surgery, especially tendon reconstruction.

Routine Monitoring and Ongoing Care
Regular medical care is important to monitor the course of the disease, determine the effectiveness and any negative effects of medications, and change therapies as needed. Monitoring typically includes regular visits to the doctor. It may also include blood, urine, and other laboratory tests and x rays.

Osteoporosis prevention is one issue that patients may want to discuss with their doctors as part of their long-term, ongoing care. Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones lose calcium and become weakened and fragile. Many older women are at increased risk for osteoporosis, and their rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk further, particularly if they are taking corticosteroids such as prednisone. These patients may want to discuss with their doctors the potential benefits of calcium and vitamin D supplements, hormone replacement therapy, or other treatments for osteoporosis.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Special diets, vitamin supplements, and other alternative approaches have been suggested for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Although many of these approaches may not be harmful in and of themselves, controlled scientific studies either have not been conducted or have found no definite benefit to these therapies. Some alternative or complementary approaches may help the patient cope or reduce some of the stress associated with living with a chronic illness. As with any therapy, patients should discuss the benefits and drawbacks with their doctors before beginning an alternative or new type of therapy. If the doctor feels the approach has value and will not be harmful, it can be incorporated into a patient’s treatment plan. However, it is important not to neglect regular health care. The Arthritis Foundation publishes material on alternative therapies as well as established therapies, and patients may want to contact this organization for information. (See the For More Information section of this booklet.)

Examples:

Plain aspirin

Buffered aspirin

Ibuprofen (Advil, *Motrin IB)

Ketoprofen (Orudis)

Naproxen (Naprosyn)

Diclofenac (Voltaren)

Diflunisal (Dolobid)

Generally part of early and continuing therapy

Tendency to bruise easily

Fluid retention (NSAIDs other than aspirin)

Ulcers

Possible kidney and liver damage (rare)

Examples:

- Gold, injectable or oral (Myochrysine, Ridaura)

- Antimalarials, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

- Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

- Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

- May produce significant improvement for many patients

- Exactly how they work still unknown

- Generally take a few weeks or months to have an effect

- Patients may use several over the course of the disease

- Goldskin rash, mouth sores, upset stomach, kidney problems, low blood count

- Antimalarials–upset stomach, eye problems (rare)

- Penicillamineskin rashes, upset stomach, blood abnormalities, kidney problems

- Sulfasalazine upset stomach

- Goldblood and urine test monthly; more often in early use of drug

- Antimalarials eye exam every 6 months

- Penicillamine blood and urine test monthly; more often in early use of drug

- Sulfasalazine periodic blood and urine tests

Examples:

- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)

- Azathioprine (Imuran)

- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

- Same concerns as with other DMARDs: potential toxicity and diminishing effectiveness over time

- Methotrexate can result in rapid improvement; appears to be very effective

- Azathioprine first used in higher doses in cancer chemotherapy and organ transplantation; used in patients who have not responded to other drugs; used in combination therapy

- Cyclophosphamide also used in higher doses in cancer chemotherapy; effective, but used only in very severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis because of potential toxicity

- Methotrexate–upset stomach, potential liver problems, low white blood cell count

- Azathioprine potential blood abnormalities, low white blood cell count, possible increased cancer risk

- Cyclophosphamide low white blood cell count, other blood abnormalities, increased cancer risk

- Methotrexate regular blood tests, including liver function test; baseline chest x ray

- Azathioprine regular blood and liver function tests

- Cyclophosphamide regular blood, urine, and general medical tests

Examples:

- Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)

- Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

- Given either in pill form or as an injection into a joint

- Dramatic improvements in very short time

- Potential for serious side effects, especially at high doses

- Often used early while waiting for DMARDs to work

- Also used for severe flares and when the disease does not respond to NSAIDs and DMARDs

- Mood changes

- Fragile skin, easy bruising

- Fluid retention

- Weight gain

- Muscle weakness

- Onset or worsening of diabetes

- Cataracts

- Increased risk of infection

- Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Examples:

- Plain aspirin

- Buffered aspirin

- Ibuprofen (Advil, *Motrin IB)

- Ketoprofen (Orudis)

- Naproxen (Naprosyn)

- Diclofenac (Voltaren)

- Diflunisal (Dolobid)

- Generally part of early and continuing therapy

- Tendency to bruise easily

- Fluid retention (NSAIDs other than aspirin)

- Ulcers

- Possible kidney and liver damage (rare)

Examples:

- Gold, injectable or oral (Myochrysine, Ridaura)

- Antimalarials, such as hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)

- Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen)

- Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)

- May produce significant improvement for many patients

- Exactly how they work still unknown

- Generally take a few weeks or months to have an effect

- Patients may use several over the course of the
disease

- Gold–skin rash, mouth sores, upset stomach, kidney problems, low blood count

- Antimalarials–upset stomach, eye problems (rare)

- Penicillamine–skin rashes, upset stomach, blood abnormalities, kidney problems

- Sulfasalazine–upset stomach

- Gold–blood and urine test monthly; more often in early use of drug

- Antimalarials–eye exam every 6 months

- Penicillamine–
blood and urine test monthly; more often in early use of drug

- Sulfasalazine–
periodic blood and urine tests

Examples:

- Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)

- Azathioprine (Imuran)

- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

- Same concerns as with other DMARDs: potential toxicity and diminishing effectiveness over time

- Methotrexate can result in rapid improvement; appears to be very effective

- Azathioprine–first used in higher doses in cancer chemotherapy and organ transplantation; used in patients who have not responded to other drugs; used in combination therapy

- Cyclophosphamide–
also used in higher doses in cancer chemotherapy; effective, but used only in very severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis because of potential toxicity

- Methotrexate–upset stomach, potential liver problems, low white blood cell count

- Azathioprine–potential blood abnormalities, low white blood cell count, possible increased cancer risk

- Cyclophosphamide–low white blood cell count, other blood abnormalities, increased cancer risk

- Methotrexate–
regular blood tests, including liver function test; baseline chest x ray

- Azathioprine–
regular blood and liver function tests

- Cyclophosphamide–
regular blood, urine, and general medical tests

Examples:

- Prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)

- Methylprednisolone (Medrol)

- Given either in pill form or as an injection into a joint

- Dramatic improvements in very short time

- Potential for serious side effects, especially at high doses

- Often used early while waiting for DMARDs to work

- Also used for severe flares and when the disease does not respond to NSAIDs and DMARDs

- Mood changes

- Fragile skin, easy bruising

- Fluid retention

- Weight gain

- Muscle weakness

- Onset or worsening of diabetes

- Cataracts

- Increased risk of infection

- Hypertension (high blood pressure)