Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that impacts millions of Americans. It is a type of arthritis in which your immune system attacks the lining of the joints in your body. The condition causes several uncomfortable symptoms, including pain, inflammation, and stiffness. It commonly impacts the hands, fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, feet, and toes. Rheumatoid arthritis advances in stages. If untreated, it can advance quickly and cause serious health issues. So, what are the four stages of rheumatoid arthritis? Below, you will find the answer to this question and additional helpful information about the condition.
What Are the 4 Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can make daily life difficult for those impacted by the condition. There are four stages of rheumatoid arthritis. Each stage has its own challenges. Treatment can effectively address symptoms in each stage to ensure effective management of the condition.
Stage 1: Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
The first stage of rheumatoid arthritis generally involves joint inflammation. Symptoms are generally mild and there is no noticeable damage. Common symptoms include swelling, fatigue, discomfort, and joint stiffness. Early diagnosis is critical at this stage because it can help slow down the progression of the condition. An X-ray may not show major changes this early on. However, a blood test can detect inflammation.
Stage 2: Moderate Rheumatoid Arthritis
The second stage of rheumatoid arthritis involves more advanced symptoms. Inflammation can begin to damage cartilage at this stage. Cartilage is the smooth tissue that serves as a cushion in between your joints. When the cartilage breaks down, symptoms worsen. Common symptoms include reduced range of motion, weakness, swelling, and pain. At this stage, an X-ray or MRI is used to determine the amount of cartilage damage. Medication is often prescribed to slow down cartilage damage.
Stage 3: Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis
The third stage of rheumatoid arthritis comes with symptoms that have a significant impact on your overall quality of life. The inflammation continues to break down the cartilage in your body. However, it can also wear down your bones, which can lead to deformities and loss of joint function. Patients often experience severe pain, swelling, and difficulty using their affected joints. Medication is used to manage symptoms and reduce the damage caused by the condition. However, in severe cases, surgery and physical therapy are necessary.
Stage 4: End Stage Rheumatoid Arthritis
The final stage of the condition involves permanent joint damage. However, the inflammation decreases. In severe cases, the bones fuse, which leads to complete loss of joint function. Patients at this stage often experience extreme pain and loss of mobility. There is also an increased risk of complications. Common complications include infection or osteoporosis. Treatment at this stage is often focused on pain management, physical therapy, and the use of assistive devices. Improving the patient’s overall quality of life through symptom management is the focus.
Don’t Let Arthritis Control Your Life
Arthritis can impact the joints in your feet and make movement very difficult. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. It often impacts the big toe, midfoot, or ankle. The loss of mobility can result in a loss of independence, which can be extremely difficult and impact your overall quality of life. The impact of rheumatoid arthritis can be reduced with early intervention. An early diagnosis can slow down the progression of the condition so you can live life fully on your own. If you experience the symptoms of arthritis, it is beneficial to seek medical care. A skilled and experienced foot surgeon can assess your arthritis and create a customized treatment plan.
Foot Surgeon in Southern California
If your arthritis impacts your foot or ankle, contact the team at Foot & Ankle Concepts, Inc. today to schedule a consultation!
