What Are The 4 Stages Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Stage 1: Early Stage
During the early stage of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) individuals may experience mild symptoms that come go. These symptoms may include joint pain swelling stiffness usually affecting smaller joints such as the hands feet. Morning stiffness lasting around 30 minutes may also be observed. At this stage X-rays or imaging tests may not reveal any damage to the joints yet. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear to start treatment early prevent progression of the disease.
Stage 2: Moderately Active Stage
In the moderately active stage of RA symptoms worsen as the disease progresses. Joint pain swelling stiffness become more persistent affect a broader range of joints including larger joints like the knees shoulders hips. Individuals may experience fatigue reduced range of motion difficulties performing daily activities. X-rays may show early signs of joint damage such as erosions or narrowing of joint spaces.
Stage 3: Highly Active/Severe Stage
At this stage rheumatoid arthritis becomes highly active severe. Joint inflammation pain are constant may lead to joint deformity. Mobility quality of life can be significantly affected. The disease may spread to other organs tissues causing complications. X-rays show obvious joint damage including erosions loss of joint space deformities.
Stage 4: End-Stage
The end-stage of rheumatoid arthritis is marked by extensive joint damage severe deformities loss of joint function. Individuals may experience chronic pain disability difficulties with normal daily activities. Joint destruction can be irreversible surgical interventions like joint replacements may be considered to improve mobility relieve pain.
Conclusion
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that progresses through four stages starting from mild symptoms to severe joint damage disability. Early diagnosis treatment are crucial in managing the disease slowing its progression. Regular check-ups medication physical therapy lifestyle modifications can help individuals with rheumatoid arthritis maintain a good quality of life minimize the impact of the disease on their daily activities.
