Rheumatoid arthritis — diagnosis and treatment

1/6 What is it?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease: the body's defence system mistakenly attacks its own joint lining.

That attack causes persistent inflammation of the joint lining. If it continues long enough, cartilage and bone can be damaged.

The disease is not contagious. It does not spread through the air, by contact or through blood.

Its course comes in waves: flares and quiet periods (remission) alternate.

2/6 Who is it for?

Adults with swelling and pain in the fingers and toes on both sides at the same time.

People whose joints stay stiff for a long time each morning.

People whose blood tests show a positive rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-CCP.

Patients who already have the diagnosis and want their treatment response assessed.

The disease is more common in women but does occur in men. It can start at any age.

3/6 When to seek care

If several of these apply to you, do not delay a rheumatology examination:

• Your hands stay stiff for more than half an hour in the morning and take time to loosen
• The same fingers on both hands are swollen and tender to touch
• The swelling has lasted for weeks and is not settling
• Alongside the joint pain there is fatigue, loss of appetite and a mild fever
• You feel pain under the balls of your feet that worsens with walking
• Rheumatoid arthritis or another autoimmune disease runs in your family

Treatment started at an early stage is more effective at preventing changes in the joint that do not reverse.

4/6 Why it matters

Uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint deformity and loss of movement.

The disease does not affect only the joints. Long-standing inflammation also creates risk for the cardiovascular system, the lungs and the eyes.

With modern treatment, disease activity falls substantially in many patients. The result differs from person to person.

Stopping treatment on your own can trigger a flare. Any change should always be made together with your doctor.

5/6 How it is done

1. Examination. The joints are checked one by one: how many are swollen, how many are tender.
2. Blood tests. RF, anti-CCP, CRP and ESR are checked. These help assess the diagnosis and the level of inflammation.
3. Imaging. X-rays of the hands and feet, and ultrasound where needed.
4. Treatment plan. Disease-modifying medicines are prescribed. During a flare, additional anti-inflammatory treatment may be added.
5. Follow-up. The effect of treatment and the safety of the medicines are tracked with regular blood tests.

If one or a few joints trouble you more than the rest, a local injection may be offered for those.

Treatment is long-term. The aim is to settle the inflammation and protect the joint.

6/6 Where it is done

Examination and follow-up take place in Baku, at StarLab Clinic.

Address: 20 Yanvar str. 88, 5th microdistrict, Baku, opposite the Qızıltac wedding hall.

To book: +994 55 550 55 69.

No. It is an autoimmune disease and does not pass to another person by any route.

Folic acid is given to reduce some of methotrexate's side effects — mouth ulcers, nausea and changes in liver values. Your doctor will tell you the dose and the day to take it.

Having an autoimmune disease in the family raises the risk somewhat, but the disease is not directly inherited. A parent having it does not mean a child will.

Diet alone does not treat rheumatoid arthritis. Balanced eating, not smoking and a healthy weight can have a positive effect on the overall course.

Many patients can plan a pregnancy, but some medicines are not permitted in pregnancy. Always discuss your plans with your doctor in advance.