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Rheumatology

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic and autoimmune syndromes of joint inflammation and pain. In both diseases, the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue. RA usually attacks the non-weight-bearing small joints of the hands and feet symmetrically. In contrast, PsA can attack various joints, such as the spine, and it commonly affects individuals with the skin condition psoriasis. The untreated state of both diseases may cause joint damage.

Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis

  • Joint Pain and Swelling: Joint pain is a significant indicator of both conditions, including rigidity and swelling. This can be symmetrical, and RA can involve the small joints of the feet and hands. In PsA, it can be unilateral and affect the spine or fingertips.
  • Morning Stiffness: Extended stiffening of the joints, which can be most excruciating in the morning and will have a tendency to fade after half an hour, is a typical finding of the two illnesses.
  • Skin and Nails: In the case of PsA, the scaling and reddened skin (psoriasis) colouration, pitting, and separation of the fingernails are reasonable indications.

Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis

  • Joint Destruction and Deformity: In an untreated state, the chronic inflammation can destroy the joint permanently, resulting in deformity and joint disability.
  • Systemic Effects: The two disorders are systemic and might cause complications to other organs. RA may result in lung and heart inflammation, whereas PsA may be associated with other health conditions such as obesity and heart disease.
  • Effective Quality of Life: The stiffness, fatigue and pain caused by these conditions can reduce an individual's ability to perform daily activities ably, thereby reducing their quality of life.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) refers to a type of chronic inflammatory condition mostly involving the spine and the sacroiliac joint that forms the base of the spine. The condition results in inflammation of the spine ligaments and joints, which results in the experience of spine stiffness and long-term pain. Severe patients may experience the fusing of the vertebral bodies due to inflammation, which leads to a hunch-like posture and a lack of flexibility. AS is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system fights the tissue, and it occurs more frequently in men than women.

Signs of Ankylosing Spondylitis

  • Chronic Back Pain with Stiffness: Persistent lower back pain and stiffness are the most common. They are most severe in the morning and ease with exercise. This inflammatory pain will tend to magnify after the application of rest, as opposed to mechanical back pain.
  • Loss of Spinal Flexibility: The loss of flexibility in the spine, particularly in the lower back region, is an indicator. The spine can become stiff over time, a disorder known as bamboo spine.
  • Systemic Symptoms: The illness may present systemic symptoms that include fatigue, fever and swelling in other body parts, including the eyes (a phenomenon referred to as uveitis).

Impacts of Ankylosing Spondylitis

  • Spinal Fusion: The worst of the effects is the possibility of the vertebrae becoming fused, resulting in a permanent inability to move the spine normally and a hunched-over posture.
  • Damage to other joints: Besides the spine, other affected joints caused by AS include the hip, shoulder, and knee joints, which become painful and inflamed.
  • Raised Risk of other Complications: Individuals with AS are at a higher risk of developing some other complications that may include heart disease, inflammatory disease in the eye (uveitis) and an enhanced likelihood of spine fractures.