Rheumatoid arthritis

Data gathering

• Red flags – fever, weight loss
• Others – swelling, eye symptoms, breathing problems, skin rashes, morning stiffness, mood
• Examine – joints (MCP), grip, sensation, nails

Clinical management

• Investigations
  • Bloods – FBC, ESR, CRP, anti-CCP
  • XR

• Explanation
  • Arthritis means irritation of joints. In RA, the immune system attacks tissues of the joints – main symptoms are pain and stiffness of the joints

• Treatment
  • Refer to Rheum – should be seen within 3 months for medications (DMARDs + steroids)
  • Analgesia
  • Physiotherapy, occupational therapy
  • Vaccinations

• Follow-up / Safety net
  • yearly RA review
  • methotrexate monitoring