Rheumatoid arthritis Q&A
What research is being done to help cure rheumatoid arthritis?
Three research areas show promise:
- The immune system
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One promising area of research in rheumatoid arthritis is why and how the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. By suppressing specific parts of the immune system, the damage could be stopped.
Inflammation of the lining of the joint (synovium) releases chemicals that cause the lining to thicken. This damages the joint and is again due to an abnormal immune response. If the lining can be protected against immune system attack, then damage can be avoided.
- Genetics
- Rheumatoid arthritis appears to run in families, but you won't necessarily develop the condition, even if someone in your family has it. If it could be identified that a particular gene is responsible, then it could be identified and new treatments developed to suppress its action.
- Hormones
- Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men, so researchers believe there may be a link between the female hormone oestrogen and the condition.
Is it possible to prevent rheumatoid arthritis through exercise?
Doctors believe that doing weight-bearing exercise such as walking helps develop the muscles that support your joints.
Clinical studies support the view that regular and moderate weight-bearing exercise is beneficial in rheumatoid arthritis.
As it is known that rheumatoid arthritis increases risk of cardiovascular disease (1) this is another reason to incorporate regular exercise into your lifestyle.
How useful are complementary therapies?
The Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) states that over 60 per cent of people with arthritis will try complementary therapy (2). Little scientific evidence supports efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (3), however.
If your complementary therapist recommends you try herbal medicines, make sure you check with your consultant or GP before you take them. Some herbal medicines can alter the concentration of prescribed drugs circulating in the blood.
Common types of complementary therapies accessed by people with arthritis include acupuncture, chiropractic, electrotherapy and massage.
What can I do to help myself?
You should ask your GP or consultant what exercise is appropriate for you, before embarking on any programme. Referral to a physiotherapist may be appropriate who can give you a programme of exercises which are suitable for you as an individual.
Maintaining a healthy weight will be beneficial as it will minimise the burden on your joints.
There is research to suggest that self-care support can result in beneficial health outcomes for people and more appropriate use of health and social care services. Therefore, offering access to such programmes should be part of every patient's care plan (4).
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