Think You're Too Young To Rheumatoid Arthritis? Here Are 5 Things To Look Out For
Early treatment is key to managing this painful condition
Do you have inexplicable, constantly aching joints around your body? Do you shrug it off because you are still relatively young – in your 20s, 30s, and early 40s?
If you've been struggling with painful joints, but have been blaming them on the 'cold weather', 'sleeping in air conditioning', 'cooling Qi (energy)', you might want to reconsider. Because it's possible you have rheumatoid arthriitis.
Arthritic joints are often associated with getting older. However, there is a kind of arthritis that can affect young and old people of any age. We speak to two experts on what this might mean for us.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in one to two per cent of the global population, states the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. If you are a female aged 55 and above, that likelihood increases to a whopping five per cent.
According to Dr Anindita Santosa, Consultant, Department of Medicine (Rheumatology), Changi General Hospital and Board Member and Chair of Medical Committee, National Arthritis Foundation, Rheumatoid Arthritis is the most common autoimmune disorder in Singapore and affects about 1 % of the Singapore population. As Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common in women, with 3 out of 4 Rheumatoid Arthritis patients being females, it is estimated that about 45,000 women in Singapore are affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis.
"Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and swelling of the joints," Jonathan Smithers, CEO of Arthritis Australia, explains.
"In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and joint damage," says Smithers. 'The symptoms of RA vary from person to person, and may include swelling, heat, tenderness, pain or stiffness in your joints. In some cases, the disease may disappear or come and go for many years."
According to Dr Santosa, Rheumatoid Arthritis, most commonly affects women between the ages of 20 to 45 years.
How is rheumatoid arthritis different from normal arthritis?
"Degenerative arthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis and occurs due to wear and tear of the protective cartilage at the end of bones, leading to increased friction between bone ends and thus pain," says Dr. Santosa.
"As it is a degenerative or “wear and tear” condition, it eventually affects all individuals. Risk factors for it are: older age, female (though unclear why), obesity, previous joint injuries, repeated stress on the joints (occupational, sports), genetics, underlying bone deformities and certain metabolic conditions such as diabetes mellitus. Having an inflammatory arthritis also increases the rate of degeneration."
While there is no current cure, rheumatoid arthritis can often be managed with ongoing care. "If you think you might have it you should seek medical advice, often starting with your GP, who may refer you on to other specialist services including a rheumatologist," Jonathan says.
According to Dr Santosa, rapid and intensive research has led to the development of medications that can be used to manage Rheumatoid Arthritis, therefore allowing those affected to lead relatively normal lives. These include (but are not limited to) non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, "steroids" such as prednisolone and hydroxychloroquine.
"In our rheumatology unit in CGH, we recognise the importance of patient perspectives in tailoring the care of our patients, and encourage them to share their views and preferences. This allows us to reach a shared-care decision tailored to the patient’s needs and preferences without compromising on the efficacy of treatment," she adds.
While it's not possible to fully prevent rheumatoid arthritis, not smoking, avoiding of second-hand smoke exposure in childhood, as well as maintaining a healthy weight are modifiable risk factors that could reduce the risk for developing it.
"Although Rheumatoid Arthritis predominantly causes inflammation in the joints, it may cause inflammation in other organs as well," says Dr Santosa. "It is therefore key that patients do not dismiss symptoms of joint pain and consult their primary care physicians for advice. Early evaluation and referral to the rheumatologists should be considered as soon as possible if rheumatoid arthritis is suspected."
She adds, "early diagnosis and prompt treatment significantly increases the chance for patients to avoid irreversible damage to their joints and organs, thus allowing them to maintain healthy joints and organs with minimum limitation in activity."
Text: Bauer Syndication, additional reporting Karen Fong