Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common autoimmune inflammation of the multi-joint system, affecting tens of thousands of people in Hungary. This chronic disease can impact people of any age, often appearing during the most active years of life. During Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month in March, we highlight how to recognize the signs early and understand how today’s treatments can protect joints and preserve quality of life.
We spoke with Dr. Gréta Sterba, FirstMed’s Rheumatologist, who has extensive knowledge and years of experience treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis. She will address important questions about RA to clarify how it is diagnosed and inform about effective treatment options available in Budapest, Hungary.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation that can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Without treatment, ongoing inflammation can damage cartilage, bone, and other tissues. RA is systemic, meaning it can also affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
When to see a doctor for RA?
Recognizing the symptoms early can make a big difference. Pay attention to these signs:
- Persistent joint pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the hands, wrists, or feet, lasting more than 6 weeks;
- Morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or more, often over an hour, that improves with movement;
- Symmetrical symptoms (affecting both hands/wrists or both feet);
- Unexplained fatigue, low-grade fever, or weight loss with joint symptoms;
- Decreased grip strength and difficulty with fine motor tasks.
If you experience the symptoms above, see your doctor promptly. Your initial point of contact may be your GP, who can refer you to a rheumatologist after an examination. Alternatively, if you are seeking private care in Budapest, Hungary, you may consult a rheumatologist directly.
Early treatment is vital to prevent long-term joint damage and deformities. Private clinics may provide quick access to rheumatologists, coordinated diagnostics, and at FirstMed, English-speaking care is also guaranteed.
How to prepare for a visit to the doctor?
Before visiting the doctor, it’s best to prepare by keeping a symptom journal:
- Note which joints hurt and when,
- Take pictures of swelling during flares, and
- Bring a list of all current medications and supplements.
How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
Rheumatoid arthritis is usually diagnosed based on the patient’s medical history, physical examinations, blood tests for specific antibodies and inflammatory markers, and imaging scans such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI. These methods are used to confirm the diagnosis and to exclude other causes of joint pain, such as osteoarthritis or gout.
Most diagnostic tools are available on-site at FirstMed’s Budapest clinic, enabling laboratory tests, X-rays, or ultrasounds to be performed during the same visit.
What are the key treatment options?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that can seriously impact quality of life. In case of more severe joint damage, simple daily activities may become difficult, but with proper treatment, managing the disease is achievable.
Medication Therapy
- Relief from pain and symptoms is often managed with short courses of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and/or paracetamol. For troublesome joints, local steroid injections may be very helpful. Until long-term medications take effect, low-dose glucocorticoids (anti-inflammatory steroids) can provide temporary relief.
- DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) are medicines used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Further to reducing pain and inflammation, these also slow or halt disease progression and prevent permanent joint damage.
- It’s important to closely monitor for infections and heart-related risks.
- Lastly, be sure to talk with your doctor about getting vaccines, such as the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine, before starting immune-modulating therapies, to help keep you protected.
Therapy and lifestyle changes
- Physical therapy involves specialized exercises to maintain strength and mobility, along with joint-protection strategies and the use of splints or ergonomic supports as needed. Staying active through low-impact aerobic activities (such as walking or swimming) and strength training can help decrease pain and fatigue.
- Quitting smoking is important as it increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and may reduce treatment effectiveness.
- Consultation with a dietitian can help develop a nutritious diet to enhance overall health and manage cardiovascular risks.
- Additionally, practicing stress-reduction techniques and maintaining good sleep routines may reduce the frequency of flare-ups and alleviate fatigue.
Make sure to follow the prescribed therapy and to attend regular check-ups. If you notice any new symptoms or side effects after your diagnosis and start of treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor right away.
Awareness helps those with rheumatoid arthritis
Early acknowledgment makes a big difference: Friends, family, and employers who understand RA are more likely to support and encourage you to seek timely medical help. It also helps reduce feelings of isolation and stigma by showing that RA is an invisible yet genuine autoimmune disease—not simply a sign of aging.
With greater awareness, there’s better support at work and school, as understanding fosters practical accommodations during flares, making life a bit easier.
Conclusion
Rheumatoid arthritis is a treatable condition, and early intervention is key, Dr. Gréta Sterba emphasizes. If you experience persistent joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness, you should consult your GP or book an appointment with a rheumatologist. Thanks to current therapies and a treat-to-target strategy, it is possible to achieve low disease activity or remission, allowing you to remain active and safeguard your long-term health.
During Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month, share this information with someone who you think may need it—and remember that support and effective care are available.
For more information about rheumatoid arthritis, visit these sites:
- AiArthritis.org: March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month: Autoimmune Arthritis Focus
- Arthritis UK: Rheumatoid arthritis: Symptoms, causes and treatment
- Arthritis Foundation (U.S.): Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments and More
- NHS UK: Rheumatoid arthritis
- CDC (U.S.): Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Egészségvonal: Rheumatoid arthritis (in Hungarian)
