Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This abnormal immune response leads to ongoing inflammation, which damages cartilage, bone, and surrounding soft tissues over time. Unlike wear-and-tear conditions such as osteoarthritis, RA can affect multiple joints simultaneously and often develop symmetrically, for example, both wrists or both knees at the same time.
If left untreated untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can cause progressive joint deformity, chronic pain, and disability. Because it is systemic, RA may also affect other organs such as the eyes, lungs, and heart.
The effects of RA extend beyond joint discomfort. Persistent pain, swelling, and stiffness can make everyday activities such as dressing, cooking, or climbing stairs increasingly difficult. Many patients experience morning stiffness that lasts for an hour or more, disrupting routines and reducing productivity.
Over time, uncontrolled RA can lead to permanent joint damage, visible deformities, and functional loss. Fatigue is another common symptom, often compounded by sleep disturbance from night-time pain. These challenges can affect not only physical health but also mental well-being and social participation, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and tailored care.
The exact cause of RA is not fully understood. But it is believed to result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental triggers that activate an abnormal immune response. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system targets the synovium, which is the joint lining, leading to inflammation and joint damage.
Some of the factors that may contribute to the development of the condition include:
RA most commonly affects the small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet. But as the disease progresses, it can involve larger joints and even areas beyond the musculoskeletal system.
RA symptoms usually develop gradually and can flare up or settle down unpredictably. Some of the common signs include:
While RA can affect anyone, certain factors increase the risk:
Diagnosing RA involves more than identifying joint pain. Our doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms, examine the affected joints, and may order blood tests or imaging to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
The process often involves:
While RA cannot be cured, effective treatments are available to control inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve quality of life. Our doctor will usually begin with medical therapies and lifestyle strategies, then consider advanced interventions if symptoms persist.
RA is more than just joint pain. It is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect overall health, mobility, and quality of life. With early diagnosis and personalised treatment, many patients achieve good symptom control, reduced flare-ups, and preserved joint function.
At Apicare Pain Clinic, we provide comprehensive care using evidence-based, minimally invasive treatments tailored to your needs. Book a consultation for a detailed diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Early RA often starts with joint stiffness in the morning that lasts for more than an hour, swelling in small joints like the fingers or wrists, and unexplained fatigue. Some patients also notice symmetrical symptoms, where the same joints on both sides of the body are affected.
Although both conditions cause joint pain, their origins are very different. Osteoarthritis develops from the wear-and-tear of cartilage, typically with age or overuse.
RA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy joints, leading to inflammation and damage. RA often appears earlier in life, affects joints symmetrically, and can also involve other organs, which are features not seen in osteoarthritis.
Genetics does play a role, but they are not the sole cause. Having a family member with RA increases your risk, but lifestyle and environmental triggers such as smoking, infections, or hormonal changes are also important factors. Even with family history, healthy lifestyle choices can lower your chances of developing RA.
No. RA is a systemic autoimmune disease, which means it can affect the entire body. Beyond the joints, RA may cause inflammation in the eyes, lungs, heart, blood vessels, and skin. This is why timely diagnosis and holistic rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Singapore is important for protecting both joint and overall health.
RA does not resolve without treatment. Leaving it untreated can cause progressive joint damage and serious complications. However, with early medical intervention, many patients achieve remission. This is a state where symptoms are minimal or absent, and joint damage is halted.
There is currently no cure, but treatments such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics can control symptoms, slow progression, and prevent joint destruction. With the right treatment plan, many people with RA live full, active lives.
Most patients respond well to non-surgical treatments. Surgery is considered only when joints are severely damaged and daily life is significantly affected. Options may include joint replacement or tendon repair. These are typically last resort measures after all other treatments have been tried.
Absolutely. Lifestyle plays an important role in RA management. Regular low-impact exercise, a balanced anti-inflammatory diet, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress can all help reduce flare-ups and support medical treatment.
Many people report worsening symptoms in cold, damp, or changing weather. While research findings are mixed, shifts in air pressure and temperature may affect joint sensitivity. Keeping joints warm, staying active, and protecting yourself from the cold may reduce discomfort.
Without treatment, RA can cause permanent joint damage, deformity, and disability. It also raises the risk of other health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and lung conditions. This is why seeking early rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Singapore is vital for long-term health and quality of life.