5 benefits of early detection of rheumatoid arthritis

Posted by Irshad k on August 23rd, 2019

Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive inflammatory disease that can cause permanent damage to the joints and related dysfunction if not treated early.

Modern research suggests that rheumatoid arthritis if diagnosed within the first three months of its onset can be completely cured or brought into remission. Doctors refer to this period as the ‘window of opportunity’.

Anybody diagnosed within this window of opportunity can derive curative benefit from treatment for a short period as compared to the prolonged treatments that are necessary for controlling advanced stage rheumatoid arthritis.

Modern approach to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis suggest that certain factors present in the blood can successfully predict the possibility of occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis.

The presence of circulating autoantibodies like the rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) as well as an elevated ESR and increased levels of C-reactive protein can be positive indicators for rheumatoid arthritis.

Presence of hand arthritis, prolonged duration of morning stiffness, involvement of a larger number of joints with pain and swelling are clinical indicators of rheumatoid arthritis.

The major benefit of an early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is the early initiation of treatment.

1. Early initiation of treatment-As with any other disease an early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can help in the early initiation of treatment. Modern medical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis range from DMARDs to biological therapies for achieving complete remission.

Ayurveda the ancient system of medicine practised in India offers various treatment options to cure early stage rheumatoid arthritis as well. According to Ayurveda, rheumatoid arthritis occurs due to the aggravation of the bodily humor called the ‘vata’. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Ayurveda aims to set right this aggravation or ‘dosha’ to achieve remission.

The other concurrent benefits of early detection include

2. Faster relief from the symptoms- The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be so debilitating to the person that it may start affecting the quality of life. The pain, swelling and the stiffness in the joints can make it difficult for one to carry out day to day activities with ease.

3. Very less chance of permanent damage to the joints- Rheumatoid arthritis being a progressive inflammatory disease can cause erosion of the joints. This may cause permanent damage and associated dysfunction of the joint. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent this.

4. Alteration of the course of the disease- As rheumatoid arthritis progresses in stages, early detection and treatment can obviously prevent the progression.

5. Achievement of complete remission- Though an autoimmune disease without any definite cause, early detection and treatment during the so called ‘window of opportunity’ can help bring about a remission of the disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects millions of people around the world and is one of those diseases that can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. Hence, early detection and treatment is the key for leading a comfortable life free of symptoms and joint dysfunction.