Are you experiencing pain, swelling, stiffness, and tenderness in more than one joint, or pain and stiffness in the same joints on both sides of your body?
Or does every morning come with body stiffness?
If yes, then this might indicate rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic (ongoing) autoimmune disease. The exact cause of RA is unknown; however, experts like Dr. Ishwar Bohra, with over 23 years of experience, say it can happen due to a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.
RA affects every person differently; for example, in some people, symptoms develop over several years, and in others, symptoms progress rapidly. Many individuals have periods with symptoms (flares) and then times with no symptoms (remission).
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that contributes to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the lining of your joints (synovium).
It is a type of arthritis where your immune system (which is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that protect you from foreign invasion or infection) attacks the tissue lining the joints on both sides of your body.
You can think of this condition like your immune system getting confused and attacking your own joints, as if they don’t belong to your body.
This leads to uncontrolled inflammation that damages cartilage (known to act as a “shock absorber” in your joints). In time, this can deform your joints, and finally, your bone itself erodes, leading to the fusion of your joint(s).
In addition to affecting your joints, RA sometimes affects other parts of your body, such as:
Due to unknown factors, your immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (lining of the joints).
This leads to inflammation and bone erosion.
It can result from the combination of the following factors:
These factors may trigger the immune system to produce antibodies (such as Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-CCP) that target joints.
Women are three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.
The stages are based on:
| Stage | Name | How This Stage May Look Like |
| 1 | Early (early synovitis) | The joint lining is inflamed, with pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue; there is no obvious deformity. |
| 2 | Moderate (cartilage damage) | Constant inflammation; reduced joint space; early deformity or misalignment; limited range of motion. |
| 3 | Severe (bone erosions and deformity) | Cartilage and bone eroded, visible joint deformities (e.g., bent fingers), significant pain, stiffness, and functional loss. |
| 4 | End‑stage (joint destruction/fusion) | Joint severely damaged or destroyed; may fuse (ankylosis); long-term pain, marked disability; may need joint replacement. |
To make a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis, your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist (a doctor who specializes in arthritis).
The experts will do a physical exam and ask you about your medical history and symptoms.
The rheumatologist will also order the following blood tests and imaging tests for detailed analysis:
The symptoms and their frequency may vary in every individual.
Here are some of the common symptoms:
Remember, the early signs are vital because the sooner you’re diagnosed with RA, the sooner your treatment can start. Treatment at the right time lowers the risk of developing permanent, painful joint damage.
ICD‑10 is the international coding system for diseases and conditions.
ICD‑10 diagnosis codes are implemented to classify rheumatoid arthritis in the medical records and billing.
These codes tell hospitals, insurers, and databases what diagnosis the patient has for documentation and reimbursement.
| ‑10 code | What the Codes Tell You, Hospitals & the Insurers |
| M05.9 | RA with rheumatoid factor, unspecified site |
| M06.9 | RA, unspecified (serostatus/site not specified) |
| M05.0 | Felty’s syndrome (RA with spleen/near‑zero neutrophils) |
| M05.1 | RA with rheumatoid lung disease |
| M05.2 | RA with rheumatoid vasculitis |
| M06.00 | RA without rheumatoid factor, unspecified site |
| M06.849 | RA affecting unspecified hand |
| M06.839 | RA affecting unspecified wrist |
| M06.859 | RA affecting unspecified hip |
| M06.879 | RA affecting unspecified ankle/foot |
Many people ask “how to cure rheumatoid arthritis permanently." RA cannot be fully reversed or cured. Thankfully, it can be controlled and slow the progression with early, aggressive treatment.
It focuses on:
Through a combination of:
In the following scenarios:
Synovectomy (removal of inflamed synovium) is recommended when:
Do not confuse these two; they may look and feel the same. However, here is the simple difference:
| Characteristic | Osteoarthritis (OA) | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) |
| Nature of the Disease | Degenerative “wear‑and‑tear” arthritis. | Autoimmune inflammatory arthritis |
| How it Happens | Gradual breakdown of joint cartilage due to age, overuse, or injury. | The own immune system attacks the synovial lining of joints |
If you have RA, you might feel like you’re on a lifelong roller coaster of pain and fatigue. However, by following your doctor’s advice, you can alleviate your symptoms and slow the progression.
Want expert advice on persistent severe pain, swelling, and stiffness due to rheumatoid arthritis?
You can contact us at +91-9582280201 to avail prompt assistance.
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