Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis

It’s important to understand that there are two types of arthritis, and while they share symptoms, they require different types of treatment. Osteoarthritis occurs when smooth cartilage wears out, causing joint pain. It is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 27 million people in the United States.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects more than 1.3 million Americans. As the disease progresses, the body’s immune system malfunctions and attacks the membrane that protects the joints. Both types of arthritis can cause joint pain, stiffness, and limited motion, but RA has other symptoms including:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Fever
• Symmetry in symptoms (for instance, the disease may affect both hands rather than the joints of one hand)

To treat RA, doctors may prescribe steroids, biologic response modifiers (or biologic agents), and antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis at this time, prescription medications can help to slow the progression of the disease. If left untreated, RA can raise a person’s risk of developing heart problems, lung disease, lymphoma, and other serious complications.

Doctors aren’t sure what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but recent research suggests that vitamin deficiencies could play a role in how the disease develops.

Vitamin D Deficiencies and Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to a 2012 study, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased susceptibility to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. In other words, scientists have shown that people who don’t get enough vitamin D may have a higher risk of getting a severe form of RA.

Another study performed in 2018 found that 84 percent of RA patients were vitamin D deficient, while only 34 percent of the control group was deficient. This doesn’t mean that vitamin deficiency alone causes arthritis — RA is a complex disease, and many factors affect how it develops.

However, vitamin D seems to play a role in how the immune system regulates itself. Some researchers believe that vitamin D supplements should be considered in treating RA patients. The quality of supplements can vary, so patients should look for supplements with ingredients verified by third-party organizations such as U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) and NSF International (NSF).

Other Supplements Used in Arthritis Treatment

In addition to vitamin D, many arthritis patients take other vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. These supplements may be used to limit pain, reduce the frequency of symptoms, or to prevent some of the complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Some supplements may interfere with medical treatments, so it’s important to discuss supplementation with a doctor before trying any at-home therapy. Common supplements used for RA include:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids- Commonly found in fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids may reduce inflammation, limiting arthritic flare-ups and reducing symptoms. Clinical studies have shown that omega-3s may reduce the number of swollen, tender joints, and omega-3s may also reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Calcium- RA can cause bone loss, raising the risk of osteoporosis. People with the condition should make sure they’re getting enough calcium, and supplements can help people who cannot get enough calcium from dietary sources.
• Curcumin- The active compound in turmeric, curcumin, is an anti-inflammatory and may reduce arthritic symptoms. One small-scale study showed that the compound could have benefits for osteoarthritis patients, but more research needs to be completed to show that curcumin supplements work for people with RA.

No supplement (including vitamin D) can replace medical rheumatoid arthritis treatments. Because RA can have serious complications, people with the disease should work closely with their doctors to find treatments that work for them. By researching and discussing options with a physician, patients can responsibly use supplements without taking unnecessary risks.

Researching Rheumatoid Arthritis

Online resources can provide patients with a wealth of information about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, treatments, and supplemental therapies. To use these resources effectively, people should read carefully, looking at multiple sources wherever possible.

Some research suggests that vitamin and herbal supplements can be beneficial in RA treatment, but people with arthritis should seek assistance from a physician when making their decisions. Collecting information can make these conversations much easier.