Rheumatoid Arthritis: Treatment Options and How Critical Illness Insurance Helps

World Health Organization^[1] reported that 18 million individuals globally had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 2019. Despite the statistics, there is hope for RA patients thanks to the advancements in research, treatments, and a growing community of support.

The article discusses the underlying causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and various treatment options available to manage RA. The journey may be tough, but with the right tools and insurance coverage, RA warriors can reclaim their vitality and live life to its fullest.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints but can also affect other body systems. It occurs when the immune system malfunctions and unintentionally targets its own tissues, such as the lining of the joints (synovium).

The inflammatory response in an RA-affected joint damages the tissue around it. This tissue degeneration can cause joint deformity (misshapenness), bone erosion, and persistent or chronic pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis may cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Weight loss.

• Loss of appetite.

• Joint swelling that might hinder regular activities.

• Pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness in one or more joints.

• The same symptoms are on both sides of the body (both hands or both knees).

• Joint stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes, usually in the morning or after extended periods of relaxation.

 

There are times when symptoms can fluctuate, with flare-ups (times of elevated disease activity) and remissions (when pain and swelling lessen or stop entirely). A flare can be brought on by stress, environmental causes (including cigarette smoke or viral infections), excessive exercise, or abruptly ceasing medication. Flares can continue for days or months, and sometimes, there may be no apparent cause.

Initially, smaller joints that connect fingers to hands and toes to feet are affected by RA.

The disorder can harm further bodily systems as it worsens, and its symptoms frequently expand to:

• Wrists

• Salivary glands.

• Nerve tissue.

• Bone marrow.

• Blood vessels.

 

Most of the time, symptoms manifest symmetrically in the same joints on both sides of the body. This means that individuals are most likely also to have RA in their left hand if they have it in their right.

For some individuals, joint pain may appear gradually over the years, while for others, pain may strike suddenly.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes

There is no clear answer as to what triggers the immune system to turn against the body's tissues and joints^[2].

However, some research indicates that a combination of the following factors might cause the disorder:

• Older age.

• Infection.

• Genetic susceptibility.

• Family history of rheumatoid arthritis.

 

The incidence of RA is higher in women than in males. According to a study by Malaysia’s Ministry of Health^[3], most patients were female (88.6%), and Indian (54.5%). The National Library of Medicine^[4] stated women have RA two to three times more frequently than men do, and there is clear evidence linking the condition to sex hormones.

Strong evidence suggests that autoimmunity is regulated by genetics, and sexual chromosomal genes may contribute to the higher frequency of females.

Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis

Early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis might be challenging for the following reasons:

• The symptoms resemble those of other arthritis and joint diseases.

• No single blood test to diagnose the disorder.

• Symptoms vary from person to person.

• It develops over time.

 

Your doctor will examine your joints to look for signs of warmth, redness, and swelling. They will also assess your muscle strength and reflexes.

RA can be diagnosed by:

• Physical examination

• Imaging tests

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

  • X-rays

• Laboratory tests

  • Rheumatoid factor (RF)

  • Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) antibodies

  • Complete blood count

  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

  • C-reactive protein (CRP)

• Medical history

 

It is ideal to identify RA within six months of the beginning of symptoms to get prompt treatment and slow or halt the progression of the disorder.

How to treat rheumatoid arthritis?

Here are common components of rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis medication

The types of medications recommended will depend on the duration of RA and the degree of symptoms. These might consist of:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium aid in pain relief and inflammation reduction.

• Corticosteroids: Likewise referred to as steroids. Short-term use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, lowers pain and inflammation while delaying joint deterioration.

• Non-biological DMARDs: These drugs can prevent joint deformities and slow down RA.

• Biologic DMARDs: Biologic response modifiers focus on particular immune system components to lower inflammation. When used with a traditional DMARD, biologic DMARDs are often successful.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis diet

While a diet won't cure RA, it may help manage inflammation, provide the body with the nutrition it needs, and support you in maintaining a healthy weight.

The Cochrane review on herbal treatments for rheumatoid arthritis found that two natural remedies - gamma-linolenic acid from evening primrose or black currant seed oil, as well as the herb Tripterygium wilfordii (also known as thunder god vine) - showed potential benefits for managing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis^[5].

Some foods recommended for RA patients include:

• Nuts

• Olive oil

• Fatty fish

• Green tea

• Whole grains

• Peas and beans

• Turmeric and ginger

• Fruits and vegetables

• Chia seeds and flaxseed oil

• Unsweetened yoghurt and miso

 

Surgery

If medicine is unable to satisfactorily control symptoms, or if there is severe joint damage, your doctor may recommend surgery to help restore your ability to use your joints, enhance performance and lessen discomfort.

Two types of surgery include joint replacements and repairs. Your doctor and you may discuss the possibilities and decide which is best for you.

How much does treatment for rheumatoid arthritis cost?

According to the National Institute of Health^[6], RA's average yearly medical expenses is RM15,000.

Knee and hip replacement surgery might cost between RM30,000 and RM60,000.

Critical illness insurance for rheumatoid arthritis

Prudential’s PRUMan & PRULady are critical illness insurance that covers diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and gender-specific illness for both men and women. Specifically, PRUMan & PRULady offer recovery benefits for the following conditions:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Osteoporotic fracture

• Facial reconstructive surgery due to cancer or accident

• Skin grafting due to burn or skin cancer

• Surgical recovery or treatment due to gender-specific illnesses or accidents.

 

With monthly premiums from as low as RM53 a month, PRUMan & PRULady are suitable for young adults as a first insurance plan.

Other tips to manage rheumatoid arthritis

In addition to medical treatments, surgery, and diet, several lifestyle changes can help people manage their rheumatoid arthritis.

Exercise

Regular low-impact workouts can enhance cardiovascular health, muscular strength, and joint flexibility. Low-impact exercises that improve cardiovascular health and lessen joint stress and stiffness include swimming, walking, and cycling.

Do consult a physical therapist or healthcare professional to create a safe and efficient fitness programme.

Rest

Prioritise sufficient rest and quality sleep as it helps support overall health and help manage fatigue, a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. Modify or refrain from engaging in a particular action or activity if it hurts. Thus, it is vital to understand your body's signals.

Use adapted gadgets or assistive technology to lessen joint stress throughout daily tasks. One way to reduce strain on the spine and other joints is proper posture.

Aim for a healthy ratio of activity to downtime. Though you should be careful not to overdo it, avoid prolonged periods of idleness.

FAQ

What is the difference between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are both arthritis. While they share some similar symptoms, they have separate disease mechanisms and have different courses of treatment.

The primary distinction between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is the cause behind the joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear cartilage covering the bones in joints.

Can you recover from rheumatoid arthritis?

Although rheumatoid arthritis has no known cure, medical advances have greatly improved the disease's management, enabling many people to control their symptoms better and retain a high quality of life.

Early intervention and lifestyle modifications can lessen the severity of the illness and lower the chance of joint injury. 

Conclusion

Effective management of rheumatoid arthritis requires patients to modify their lifestyle, adhere to recommended medication regimens, and collaborate closely with their healthcare team. Individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can attain a satisfactory standard of living and, in numerous instances, maintain long-term health with appropriate care.

To ensure financial protection and peace of mind in the face of rheumatoid arthritis, contact us for the most current and up-to-date information on the many insurance alternatives if you're interested in Prudential's insurance.

Reference

^[1] Rheumatoid arthritis. Available at https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rheumatoid-arthritis

^[2] Rheumatoid Arthritis. Available at https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rheumatoid-arthritis

^[3] Multicentre survey of rheumatoid arthritis patients from Ministry of Health Rheumatology Centers in Malaysia. Available at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230047279_Multicentre_survey_of_rheumatoid_arthritis_patients_from_Ministry_of_Health_Rheumatology_Centers_in_Malaysia

^[4] Rheumatoid arthritis: a female challenge. Available at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19072521/#:~:text=Rheumatoid%20arthritis%20(RA)%20is%20two,in%20supporting%20the%20female%20prevalence

^[5] Diagnosis and Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Available at https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2011/1201/p1245.html

^[6] Projecting direct medical costs and productivity benefits of improving access to advanced therapy for rheumatoid. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9930832/#:~:text=The%20average%20annual%20medical%20cost,cost%2C%20which%20was%2023.9%25