What Are The 4 Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
At Dynamic Chiropractic, we often work with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and as part of our chiropractic training, we have an in depth understanding of how it develops and how itcan affect the body. And of course, we know how to best support those who live with RA.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease (a condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body) that causes inflammation of the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the small joints of the hands and feet. It is quite different to osteoarthritis, which develops as a result of wear and tear over time.
The Four Stages Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
When asking what are the four stages of rheumatoid arthritis, there are a range of symptoms that vary depending on how severe the RA is. Generally, what follows below is considered the most common progression of RA.
Stage 1: Early RA
Stage one of RA is known as synovitis. In this early stage of RA, the inflammation is usually mild and affects only a few joints. At this stage, the immune system’s misguided attack on the joint lining causes it to swell and become inflamed. Some symptoms may include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Fatigue
- Morning stiffness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever.
Stage 2: Moderate RA
In the second stage of RA, known as pannus, the inflammation is more severe and affects more joints, thinning the cartilage. Without cartilage to cushion the bones and smooth joint motion, pain and stiffness may worsen, setting the stage for joint erosion.
Symptoms of moderate RA may include:
- Severe joint pain and stiffness
- Fatigue
- Morning stiffness that lasts for more than 30 minutes
- Joint swelling and redness
- Loss of range of motion
- Deformity of the joints.
Stage 3: Severe RA
The third stage of RA is known as fibrous ankylosis. Ankylosis describes the fusion of bones in a joint, leading to impaired mobility. At this stage, any damaged joints begin to connect with fibrous tissue, which can lead to a severely limited range of motion. From the outside, joints may begin to look bent or crooked.
In severe RA, the inflammation is severe and affects many joints. Symptoms may include:
- Severe joint pain and stiffness
- Fatigue
- Morning stiffness that lasts for more than 60 minutes
- Joint swelling and redness
- Loss of range of motion
- Deformity of the joints
- Damage to other organs, such as the lungs, heart, and eyes.
Stage 4: End-stage RA
When asking what are the four stages of rheumatoid arthritis, we end with stage four, also known as bony ankylosis. End-stage RA is the most severe form of the disease. At this point, the pain will go away, but so will the ability to move. The joint is essentially gone, so the area cannot be bent or flexed.
People with end-stage RA may also experience other health problems, such as infections and heart disease.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Chiropractic care is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, including rheumatoid arthritis.
Chiropractic care may be beneficial for people with early stage RA by helping to reduce pain and inflammation, improving range of motion, and increasing flexibility. It can also help reduce muscle spasms and improve nerve function. Additionally, chiropractic spinal adjustments can help to correct misalignments in the spine, which can improve nerve function and reduce pain and inflammation.
If you are interested in learning more about how chiropractic care may be able to help you with rheumatoid arthritis, please get in touch with our friendly, professional team. We are conveniently located in the Brisbane CBD, and always welcome new patients.
