Rheumatoid arthritis is not only joint pain, but it is a progressive autoimmune disease, which, with time, may produce considerable changes in your body. The knowledge of the 4 stages of rheumatoid arthritis is the key to early diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved quality of life. We are going to step through each of these stages on this post, what it is, and what you can do about them. This guide will help you understand what are the 4 stages of rheumatoid arthritis!
The 4 Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis
|
Stage |
What Happens |
Symptoms |
Key Diagnostic Signs |
|
Stage 1: |
Initial inflammation of the joint's lining. There has been no significant harm to the cartilage or bone at this time. |
Mild stiffness and swelling, morning stiffness, and discomfort. Symptoms may change. |
Blood tests could reveal the presence of inflammation, perhaps rheumatoid factors, as well as anti-CCP antibodies. X-ray/MRI typically does not show cartilage or bone damage as of yet. |
|
Stage 2: |
The body starts to produce antibodies. The cartilage can start to show signs of damage. Inflammation is more consistent. |
There is a noticeable increase in discomfort, stiffness, and swelling that persists for longer. Slight reduction in joint mobility. Joints can ache more than just the smallest ones. |
X-rays or MRIs reveal early signs of changes to cartilage. The blood tests are likely to show positive for RF or anti-CCP. A more frequent occurrence of flares with symptoms. |
|
Stage 3: |
Significant damage: cartilage erosion, bone weakening. Physical defects may begin to develop. Inflammation remains high. |
Swelling, pain, and stiffness. Restricted mobility. Potential presence of rheumatoid neoplasms beneath the skin. Joint deformity begins. Function affected. |
Imaging shows the joint space is narrowing and clear, as well as bone erosion. Deformity symptoms in the form of clinical signs. Possible complications such as tendon issues and pressure on the nerve. |
|
Stage 4: |
The inflammation can decrease over time, but the structural damage is generally irreparable. Joints can fuse, or mobility is severely affected. |
Swelling, pain, and stiffness. Significant impairment in functioning. It is difficult to perform everyday activities. Possibility of fused joints. |
X-rays and MRI reveal joint fusion, significant tissue and bone injury. Mobility loss. Treatment is more focused on pain management and functioning, and reducing the risk of complications. |
How to Respond at Each Stage
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At Stage 1, concentrate on changes to your lifestyle and mild medication, and monitoring.
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At Stage 2 of the disease, doctors could prescribe more aggressive therapies to help protect joints.
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Stage 3 typically requires the use of a variety of drugs as well as physical therapy. It could also require surgical alternatives.
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The care for stage 4 patients is focused on being comfortable, ensuring what functions are left, and tackling discomfort, possibly with adaptive devices.
Looking for trusted products and support? Visit our Family-Owned Arthritis Aid Store for carefully selected solutions designed to make everyday living with arthritis easier.
Final Thoughts
What are the 4 stages of rheumatoid arthritis? Knowing the 4 phases of rheumatoid arthritis also provides strength; strength to express yourself efficiently to your medical team, to identify changes, and to make decisions that will not compromise the quality of your life. At Arthritis Aid, we are confident that early detection and careful intervention would help. When you (or someone you know) is experiencing the symptoms of RA, act immediately, contact a rheumatologist, inquire about the antibody tests, and inquire about imaging. Remember: it is not only to control the symptoms, but to save the joints, remember to keep the mobility, and live.
Sources
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Cleveland Clinic: “What are the stages of rheumatoid arthritis?”
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4924-rheumatoid-arthritis -
Healthline – “The 4 Stages and Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis”
https://www.healthline.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/stages-and-progression? -
ArthritisCARE – “The 4 Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis”
https://arthritiscare.com.au/the-4-stages-of-rheumatoid-arthritis/? -
Foot & Ankle Centers / Foot Surgeon – stages description and severe/end-stage signs
https://www.footsurgeon.com/what-are-the-4-stages-of-rheumatoid-arthritis/?