Inflammatory arthritis, encompassing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), represents a group of chronic disorders characterized by joint inflammation and pain. Early treatment of these conditions is crucial, as it can significantly alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression. Notably, managing inflammation effectively can reduce joint swelling and pain, and also decrease the risk of heart complications.
Patients with early inflammatory arthritis require a comprehensive care team. This team typically includes the primary care physician, a rheumatologist, and physical and/or occupational therapists. As patients begin medical therapy, ongoing education about living with arthritis is essential. This education covers various aspects of managing the condition effectively.
The annual incidence of early inflammatory arthritis ranges from 115 to 271 per 100,000 adults. For undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis (UA), this incidence is between 41 to 149 per 100,000 adults. It’s noted that 13% to 54% of patients with UA will develop rheumatoid arthritis, and in 21% to 87% of cases, the initial diagnosis may remain unclear for several weeks to months. However, effective treatment is necessary to alleviate symptoms and functional impairment associated with active disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, often affects multiple small joints in the hands and feet. It’s characterized by inflammation of the joint or tendon linings, resulting in warmth, pain, and stiffness. In 30% to 60% of RA cases, blood tests confirm the presence of specific proteins associated with the condition.
One distinct symptom of inflammatory arthritis is prolonged morning joint stiffness, differentiating it from the transient stiffness of osteoarthritis, which lasts only a few minutes. Imaging techniques like ultrasound are valuable in assessing tenosynovitis, with early involvement of digit flexors being predictive of persistent arthritis.
Treatment for arthritis varies depending on the type. Common medications include Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, which relieve pain and reduce inflammation. For more detailed information on early-onset arthritis, its symptoms, and treatment options, visit Verywell Health, HSS, NCBI Bookshelf, UpToDate, Mayo Clinic, NCBI, and Mayo Clinic for more in-depth information.
