Some Facts To Know About The Myths Of Rheumatology

Reviewed by: Manipal Hospitals

Posted on 26 Dec 2019

3 Min Read

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Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease. A person, who is suffering due to RA, will continue to have the disease throughout his/ her entire life despite undergoing effective treatment. But this does not mean that you don’t lead a happy, normal and productive life just because you are having RA.

With the help of the evolving trends of medical science, most individuals having RA can prevent or slow damage to their cartilage, joints and bones along with other organs of their bodies damaged by the disease. That is why you need to know the facts about this chronic disease before opting for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. Getting rid of the misconceptions and common myths about RA will help you to understand the many options for treatments. These treatments can help you to lead an active and happy life.

Some common myths about Rheumatoid Arthritis

RA is the same as osteoarthritis

No, it is not. Almost every individual thinks it to be so. So this is one of the most prominent myths you have to know about. You need to know the correct concept despite believing the wrong one.
This chronic disease is not the same as osteoarthritis. It can affect individuals of any age, while osteoarthritis typically affects individuals over the age of 40. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect your whole body, while osteoarthritis generally affects your joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone in the same way

This is not also true. Two individuals, who are suffering due to RA, do not have the same experience. There are plenty of differences starting from symptoms to treatments and the recovery method.

You do not look sick while suffering from paediatric Rheumatology

Just because you do not appear to be sick, does not mean that you are not. Usually, rheumatoid arthritis is a hidden disease which comes with fatigue and chronic pain. But you look just fine while suffering from this disease.

Exercises may not be good for you or these will entirely relieve symptoms

Movements and exercises could be difficult while suffering from this disease. Sometimes, this also helps to get rid of the depression which often accompanies a chronic disease like RA. Swimming and any kind of aquatic exercise can be good for you if you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Residing in a dry, hot climate and/ or diet can cure this disease

These are not always true with every patient having this chronic disease. Symptoms of this disease are not curable; RA will eventually lead to disability. Nowadays, there are plenty of options available out there which can treat this chronic disease. If you opt for a good one, you will not have to face disability. You can prevent the risks of disability by healing many of the symptoms such as swelling, pain, fatigue and inflammation.

You can handle the disease on your own

No, you cannot. Trying to handle RA without seeking any medical advice is not the right approach. You must seek medical help cause exertion can help you to get rid of the pains and discomforts. So, that is it guys. Hopefully you have a clear idea of the chronic disease and you can find the right treatment to overcome the difficulties.

RA is the same as osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone in the same way

This is not also true. Two individuals, who are suffering due to RA, do not have the same experience. There are plenty of differences starting from symptoms to treatments and the recovery method.

You do not look sick while suffering from paediatric Rheumatology

Exercises may not be good for you or these will entirely relieve symptoms

Residing in a dry, hot climate and/ or diet can cure this disease

You can handle the disease on your own

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Myositis can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions. There is no single test that can diagnose myositis, so a combination of tests and procedures may be needed to make a diagnosis. Here are some of the tests and procedures that may be used before the specialists start the right treatment for myositis in Bangalore: Physical Examination The doctor will perform a physical examination to check for muscle weakness and wasting, as well as any other physical signs of myositis. Blood Tests Blood tests can help to detect inflammation and check for specific antibodies that are often present in people with myositis. Electromyography (EMG) This test measures the electrical activity of muscles. It can help to determine if muscle weakness is caused by myositis or by another condition. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) An MRI can help to visualise the muscles and detect any abnormalities or signs of inflammation. Muscle Biopsy A muscle biopsy involves removing a small piece of muscle tissue for laboratory testing. This can help to confirm a diagnosis of myositis and determine the specific type of myositis present. When Should One Visit a Doctor? It’s important to see a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of myositis. Some common symptoms include muscle weakness, fatigue, and pain. If you have these symptoms along with a rash, fever, or joint pain, it’s especially important to seek medical attention, as these signs can be indicative of myositis. If you have a family history of myositis or an autoimmune disorder, or if you’ve been exposed to certain drugs or viruses, you should also consider talking to your doctor, as these factors may increase your risk of developing myositis. You can connect with a doctor online instantly for expert advice and guidance on your symptoms and next steps. 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However, many people with lupus can have a full and rewarding life with the help of doctors, a good support system, and lifestyle changes. 19. How is Lupus treated? Lupus needs long-term treatment. The treatment of lupus depends on the severity of the disease and organ system involvement. The severity of lupus varies from mild to potentially life-threatening forms. Over the past few years with a better understanding of the disease and refinement of treatment protocols, the outcome of lupus has changed considerably. Though there is no cure for lupus, effective and safe treatment options are available. Current treatments give most patients excellent control of disease, and relief of symptoms and allow them to function at, or near, normal levels. 20. What medications are used in treating Lupus? The medications depend on severity and organ system involvement. The medications used for the treatment of lupus include: Analgesics (pain killers) Glucocorticoids (Steroids in common language) Mycophenolate mofetil Azathioprine Cyclophosphamide Cyclosporine Tacrolimus Rituximab Steroids are very much necessary and sometimes life-saving. Steroids in various doses may be needed to control the disease. Conscious efforts are taken by treating doctors to prescribe the minimum possible dosage. In some individuals, they may be required to be taken for the long term. Precautions are taken by treating doctors to prevent the side effects of steroids. Your doctor may consider low-dose steroids for prolonged periods. You should ask your doctor before stopping or decreasing the steroids. Other drugs like Cyclophosphamide, MMF cyclosporine etc. are life-saving and sometimes need prolonged maintenance therapy. When you are on these drugs regular monitoring of investigations along with rheumatology consultation is necessary. Sometimes drugs to thin the blood (anticoagulants) are used if the Lupus patient has an abnormal tendency to clot inside the blood vessels. (antiphospholipid syndrome). 21. Hydroxychloroquine sulfate and SLE. Hydroxychloroquine sulfate (HCQs) is a mild drug and is very beneficial in patients with lupus. The beneficial effects of HCQs are below: Given early in the disease results in lesser cumulative organ damage In lupus pregnancy, HCQs help in better control of lupus activity and improve pregnancy outcomes. Reduces risk of lupus flares Better control of blood sugars and improved insulin resistance Reduces risk of neonatal lupus Reduces risk of thromboembolic events (Eg: Stroke) Improves survival 22. Medications and disease monitoring in Lupus patients. As your doctor prescribes many medications. Monitoring of side effects is a very important issue. Initially, you may be required to check complete blood count, liver functions, and kidney functions. The regular checkup should be bone once in 3- 6 months as advised by your rheumatologist. Once the disease is under control still you may need to check the blood counts, and urine tests as there may be chances of recurrence or new development of symptoms in lupus patients. Regularly consult the rheumatologist as advised. 23. Living with lupus – do’s and dont’s The more you understand how lupus can affect your body, the better you will be at understanding how you can make lifestyle changes to stay as healthy as possible. Successfully managing lupus starts with awareness: Awareness of your particular symptoms and how your illness affects you Awareness of what you can do to prevent flares, and what to do if you do experience a flare Awareness of any changes in symptoms or physical conditions that could suggest disease activity Awareness of the tension and stress that often accompany chronic illness Awareness of the best coping strategies and techniques to reduce that stress 24. 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Creatinine is a waste product produced by your muscles every day. Healthy kidneys remove it from the blood and pass it out through urine. When the kidneys are not working properly, creatinine can build up in the bloodstream. Seeing a high creatinine level in your blood test report can be working. Many people immediately think it's kidney failure. However, creatinine levels alone do not tell the whole story. Doctors look at several factors, including your age, overall health, and kidney function tests, before determining how well your kidneys are working.

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Stomach Cancer Lump: What It Feels Like & When to See a Doctor

22 Jun 20267 Min Read

Finding an unusual bump or swelling on your body can be alarming. If you notice a change in your tummy, it is completely natural to feel a wave of anxiety and wonder what it might mean. One thought that might cross your mind is whether it could be a stomach cancer lump. Feeling concerned is completely valid, but it helps to know that most abdominal changes may have very simple explanations. Understanding what to look for can help quiet some of that worry.

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Understanding CT scan and its role in cancer detection.

15 Jun 20268 Min Read

When doctors suspect a serious health condition, imaging tests often play a crucial role in diagnosis. One of the most used imaging tools is a computed tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan provides detailed cross-sectional images of the body`s organs, tissues, and blood vessels. These images can reveal abnormalities that may indicate the presence of cancer. However, understanding what a CT scan can and cannot do is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. However, can a CT scan detect cancer? A CT scan is extremely important in detecting cancer, but it is not always definitive on its own

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Types of Nerve Injury: Causes, Symptoms & Recovery Guide

15 Jun 20266 Min Read

Nerve injuries happen when a nerve is pinched, stretched, cut or damaged. These injuries can cause numbness, tingling, or sharp pain. Nerves are cords that carry electrical signals from your brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) to the rest of your body and vice versa. These signals allow you to move your muscles and feel sensations like touch and temperature. When a nerve is damaged, these signals are disrupted.

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