Rheumatoid Arthritis is NOT Osteoarthritis
Navigating a new diagnosis can be challenging, specially when people confuse what you have.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease and many confuse it as osteoarthritis (OA) which is the most common type. While OA affects the joint, it does due to wear and tear and aging. It can be painful but often managed with over the counter medicine.
RA is autoimmune, meaning the body is actively attacking the joints, causing pain and inflammation and if left untreated, it can lead to rapid degeneration of the joints and deformity which leads to other problems. RA also can affect the heart, lungs and other parts of the body and treatment aims to slow down the degeneration process rather than cure. You cannot rely on over the counter medication since this would only help with pain but now slowing of the disease and cause more damage.
RA treatment plan include medication like Planequil (hydroxychloroquine), Predisonole and methotraxane among others. Medication is imperative to manage RA as no medication can cause serious, irreversible damage.
RA is not just arthritis. It is a life-long chronic illness and life-long treatment and symptons can involve: Fatigue, inflammation, joint pain, brain fog, stiffness and more.
RA symptoms can worsen with Flare ups and those can last days of weeks. Even with treatment, this can happen and it is constant struggle on trying to avoid a flair and living life.
If you know someone who is diagnosed with RA know that they are getting treatment and it will not cure them, but it will help them manage and they are doing everything in their power to make themselves feel a little better but no amount of positive thinking or exercise will cure them. It will help, but will not cure and that is something that takes a mental toll on anyone.
#rheumatoidarthritis #osteoarthitis #rheumatoidathritiswarrior #chronicillness
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is often misunderstood as simply another form of arthritis, yet it is a distinct autoimmune condition that aggressively targets the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis (OA), which is predominantly due to natural wear and tear and aging, RA involves the immune system erroneously attacking the body's own joint tissues. This not only leads to debilitating joint pain and inflammation but can also cause significant systemic issues, affecting organs such as the heart and lungs. Patients diagnosed with RA face a lifelong journey of managing their symptoms through a comprehensive treatment plan, including disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate. Early intervention is crucial in slowing disease progression and preventing irreversible joint damage. Flare-ups of RA can vary in duration and intensity, adding to the challenges of daily living. Psychological support and lifestyle adjustments play an essential role in managing the emotional toll this chronic illness can take on patients. It’s important for those supporting someone with RA to understand that while medication can alleviate symptoms, it cannot cure the condition. Increased awareness and accurate information about RA can help foster empathy and support within communities.
