The reduction of pain, reduction of inflammation and improvement of a person's overall functioning are the objectives of treatment. Using splints and braces, balancing rest and exercise, or using assistive devices can help with this. Steroids, NSAIDs, and painkillers are frequently used to alleviate symptoms. Methotrexate and other DMARDs, such as hydroxychloroquine, can be used to try to slow down the progression of the disease. When the disease does not respond to other treatments, biological DMARDs may be used. However, they might have a higher incidence of negative effects. In some cases, joint replacement, repair, or fusion surgery may be beneficial. As of 2015, approximately 24.5 million people have RA. In the developed world, this affects between 0.5% and 1% of adults, with 5 and 50 cases per 100,000 new cases each year. Women are 2.5 times more likely than men to experience the onset, which occurs most frequently in middle age. In 2013, it was responsible for 38,000 deaths, up from 28,000 in 1990. Jacob of Paris gave the first known description of RA in 1800. The Greek word for swollen and inflamed joints is the origin of the term rheumatoid arthritis.

RA mostly affects the joints, but more than 15%-25% of the time, it also affects other organs. Cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, interstitial lung disease, infection, cancer, fatigue, depression, mental issues, and difficulty working are all associated issues. The synovial membrane is inflamed in arthritis of the joints. Stiffness restricts joint movement and causes swelling, tenderness and warmth in the joints. Polyarthritis affects multiple joints over time. Small joints like the hands, feet, and cervical spine are most commonly affected, but larger joints like the shoulder and knee can also be affected. The tissue can become tethered, resulting in loss of movement, and the joint surface can be eroded, resulting in deformity and function loss. The synovial membranes highly specialized mesenchymal cells, called Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes (FLS), play a significant and active role in these rheumatic joint pathologies.

With Regards,
Joseph Kent
Journal Manager
Journal of Trauma and Orthopedic Nursing