Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (rue-ma-TOYD arth-write-tis) is a chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability
A Simple Guide to Understanding and Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis in the Foot and Ankle
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of autoimmune arthritis that falls within a category of arthritides known as spondyloarthritides. It affects young patients less than 45 years of age, with a higher frequency in men compared to women.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in joints and other tissues. It is common in men older than 40 years and is rare in premenopausal women. (it can occur at any age in men, even in their 20s). It is now the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in the world.
The joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition that features joints that easily move beyond the normal range expected for that particular joint.
Myopathy is a general medical term used to describe a number of conditions affecting the muscles. All myopathies cause muscle weakness. The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a group of diseases in which inflammation occurs in muscles and often in organs and tissues other than muscle. muscle weakness, and, in some cases, muscle pain.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity means immunity against self: The immune system attacks the body as if it were a virus or other harmful organism. JIA patients generally do well when they’re diagnosed quickly and treated appropriately.
Back pain is a common problem, which affects many people at some point. It’s often caused by a simple muscle, tendon or ligament strain and not usually by a serious problem.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the commonest form of arthritis; it is a degenerative condition and is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It may be completely asymptomatic and found incidentally on an x-ray or it may cause significant symptoms in affected patients.
The word ‘osteoporosis’ means, literally, ‘porous bone’. It is a condition where you gradually lose bone material so that your bones become more fragile. As a result, they are more likely to break even after a simple fall. Osteoporosis is common in South Africa.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a form of inflammatory arthritis predominantly causing pain and stiffness affecting the hips, neck and shoulder areas. Symptoms can be sudden or more gradual in onset and are often associated with feelings of fatigue and even a low-grade fever.
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs in patients who have a skin condition called psoriasis. It can also happen in person who has a close family member with psoriasis. It is a chronic arthritis which presents in different ways.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is caused by your own immune system attacking your own tissue like joints. It causes pain and swelling of the joints.
90% of patients will develop symptoms in their foot or ankle due to RA. These symptoms can range from mild inflammation and stiffness in the joints too developing deformities and arthritis.
Scleroderma is also known as Systemic Sclerosis. It is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system attacks your healthy cells. The word ‘scleroderma’ means ‘hard skin’. Scleroderma affects the connective tissues of the body.
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system attacks your healthy cells, especially glands that produce moisture for your body. The disease typically affects glands that make tears in the eyes, and saliva in the mouth causing dry eye or dry mouth or both at the same time.
LUPUS belongs to a group of disorders of our body’s immune system, known as “autoimmune diseases”. Normally, the immune system protects our body from harm, by producing antibodies, which attack invaders such as viruses and bacteria.
Biologics are manmade medicines that closely resemble a protein that occurs naturally in the body.
Chloroquine is an antimalarial agent
It is used to treat:
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and its associated skin conditions, Childhood Arthritis (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis), Antiphospholipid Syndrome and other Autoimmune Diseases.
Methotrexate is one of the most effective and commonly used medications in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis, and also may be used to treat lupus, inflammatory myositis, vasculitis, and some forms of childhood arthritis.
A combination of aspirin-like anti-inflammatory (5 – aminosalicylic acid) component and a sulphur antibiotic-like component (sulfapyridine)
It is used to treat:
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and some other autoimmune conditions.
Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors are mainly used to treat long-lasting inflammatory conditions.
It is used to treat:
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata
WHO WE ARE
We aim to empower everyone with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), to manage their treatment and to stay in control of their lives. We are driven to ensure that health professionals around the country deliver tailored and timely care to every patient, every time.
OUR VISION
To be the primary resource for people diagnosed and living with axSpA & related diseases in South Africa. We want to ensure that every person with axial SpA (AS) receives timely diagnosis and effective treatment and care, is empowered to take decisions about their health, and feels part of a supportive axial SpA (AS) community.
OUR MISSION
Create awareness of & related diseases in order to ease the path to diagnosis.
AIMS OF ASASA
Create awareness of Ankylosing Spondylitis & related diseases in order to ease the path to diagnosis.
- To promote the growth of ASASA membership in South Africa.
- To promote public awareness of Spondyloarthritis through the media, public forums and other means.
- To be a voice for advocacy for Spondyloarthritis patients across South Africa nationally and provincially.
- To support and advocate for research into Spondyloarthritis in South Africa.
- To provide a national resource centre for information relevant to the Spondyloarthritis community.
- To provide a national forum for partnership between the medical and patient communities to further research into the causes and management of Spondyloarthritis.
- To participate in the international Spondyloarthritis community.
ABOUT:
Andrea’s Gift Foundation began as a result of a courageous woman who had a love and compassion for fellow lupus sufferers like herself.
Andrea Hughes was a Lupus Warrior who passed away in 2017 after three years of battling with this autoimmune disease. Andrea’s Gift was established to honour Andrea and to realise her vision of an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by lupus.
In late 2018, Andrea’s Gift and Lupus South Africa initiated a collaborative partnership. Together, they are committed to creating awareness, offering education, and supporting individuals affected by lupus. By combining our efforts, we strive to improve the quality of life for lupus warriors, their caregivers, and their loved ones.
🌐 www.andreasgiftfoundation.org
WHAT WE DO:
Andrea’s Gift Foundation is a patient-centred, pro-awareness Non-Profit Organisation , and in partnership with Lupus South Africa, we offer:
- Education
- Hospital visits
- Awareness campaigns
- Lupus patient and family counselling
- Lupus patient community groups
- Emotional support
Our organisations offer dependable/factual information and educational resources regarding lupus.
We collaboratively champion enhanced quality of life and heightened awareness of lupus throughout South Africa.
Our foundational initiatives connections among individuals through support groups, online platforms, and both national and community-driven events.
RESOURCES:
Our combined network offers a variety of resources, including:
- Comprehensive information resource called “Everything you need to know lupus”.
- Our Tweens and Teens pages offer educational resources and a dedicated online community.
- A set of patient information pamphlets( in 4 languages) containing trustworthy medical content and self-management tips for living well with lupus.
SUPPORT GROUP:
Our organisations facilitate connections between individuals affected by lupus and their caregivers, offering access to support groups throughout South Africa via WhatsApp and online platforms. We also host quarterly meet-and-greet sessions and annual events, fostering a sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation.
PODCAST:
Expert advice from healthcare professional, explore uplifting messages and authentic narratives from individuals managing lupus.
BLOG:
The blog shares news, personal stories, medical info, and motivation from people living with lupus.
It is a space for the lupus community o connect and share experiences.
Understanding the course of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has led to important breakthroughs in therapy, yet many needs of people living with PsA remain unmet. Through the GoodCare Project for PsA , IFPA aims to unite with rheumatologists and the PsA community to raise awareness of updated treatment guidelines and promote their use worldwide.
Resources
Good Care for Psoriatic Arthritis Article
Patient Checklist: A tool to support you beyond the clinic
Psoriatic Arthritis Clinical and Care Guidelines: Treat to Target Guidelines
A patient-orientated, non-profit organisation that is dedicated to providing access to information about the impact, consequences and management of arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).
The South African Psoriasis Association (SAPSA) aims to provide support to individuals affected by psoriatic disease. Our small group of volunteers focus on raising awareness, offering credible educational resources, and fostering a supportive community to help people navigate the challenges of living with psoriatic disease and its associated conditions. SAPSA hosts active WhatsApp groups and a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)
Diseases
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of autoimmune arthritis that falls within a category of arthritides known as spondyloarthritides. It affects young patients less than 45 years of age, with a higher frequency in men compared to women.
Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals.
Gout is an inflammatory arthritis caused by the deposition of monosodium urate crystals (MSU) in joints and other tissues. It is common in men older than 40 years and is rare in premenopausal women. (it can occur at any age in men, even in their 20s). It is now the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in the world.
The joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition that features joints that easily move beyond the normal range expected for that particular joint.
Myopathy is a general medical term used to describe a number of conditions affecting the muscles. All myopathies cause muscle weakness. The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are a group of diseases in which inflammation occurs in muscles and often in organs and tissues other than muscle. muscle weakness, and, in some cases, muscle pain.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmunity means immunity against self: The immune system attacks the body as if it were a virus or other harmful organism. JIA patients generally do well when they’re diagnosed quickly and treated appropriately.
Back pain is a common problem, which affects many people at some point. It’s often caused by a simple muscle, tendon or ligament strain and not usually by a serious problem.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the commonest form of arthritis; it is a degenerative condition and is often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis. It may be completely asymptomatic and found incidentally on an x-ray or it may cause significant symptoms in affected patients.
The word ‘osteoporosis’ means, literally, ‘porous bone’. It is a condition where you gradually lose bone material so that your bones become more fragile. As a result, they are more likely to break even after a simple fall. Osteoporosis is common in South Africa.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica is a form of inflammatory arthritis predominantly causing pain and stiffness affecting the hips, neck and shoulder areas. Symptoms can be sudden or more gradual in onset and are often associated with feelings of fatigue and even a low-grade fever.
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that occurs in patients who have a skin condition called psoriasis. It can also happen in person who has a close family member with psoriasis. It is a chronic arthritis which presents in different ways.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It is caused by your own immune system attacking your own tissue like joints. It causes pain and swelling of the joints.
90% of patients will develop symptoms in their foot or ankle due to RA. These symptoms can range from mild inflammation and stiffness in the joints too developing deformities and arthritis.
Scleroderma is also known as Systemic Sclerosis. It is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system attacks your healthy cells. The word ‘scleroderma’ means ‘hard skin’. Scleroderma affects the connective tissues of the body.
Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system attacks your healthy cells, especially glands that produce moisture for your body. The disease typically affects glands that make tears in the eyes, and saliva in the mouth causing dry eye or dry mouth or both at the same time.
LUPUS belongs to a group of disorders of our body’s immune system, known as “autoimmune diseases”. Normally, the immune system protects our body from harm, by producing antibodies, which attack invaders such as viruses and bacteria.
RA Drugs
Biologics are manmade medicines that closely resemble a protein that occurs naturally in the body.
Chloroquine is an antimalarial agent
It is used to treat:
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and its associated skin conditions, Childhood Arthritis (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis), Antiphospholipid Syndrome and other Autoimmune Diseases.
Methotrexate is one of the most effective and commonly used medications in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis, and also may be used to treat lupus, inflammatory myositis, vasculitis, and some forms of childhood arthritis.
A combination of aspirin-like anti-inflammatory (5 – aminosalicylic acid) component and a sulphur antibiotic-like component (sulfapyridine)
It is used to treat:
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Inflammatory Bowel Disease and some other autoimmune conditions.
Janus Kinase (JAK) Inhibitors are mainly used to treat long-lasting inflammatory conditions.
It is used to treat:
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, ulcerative colitis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata
Patient Support Links
WHO WE ARE
We aim to empower everyone with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) to manage their treatment and to stay in control of their lives. We are driven to ensure that health professionals around the country deliver tailored and timely care to every patient, every time.
OUR VISION
To be the primary resource for people diagnosed and living with axSpA & related diseases in South Africa. We want to ensure that every person with axial SpA (AS) receives timely diagnosis and effective treatment and care, is empowered to take decisions about their health, and feels part of a supportive axial SpA (AS) community.
OUR MISSION
Create awareness of & related diseases in order to ease the path to diagnosis.
AIMS OF ASASA
Create awareness of Ankylosing Spondylitis & related diseases in order to ease the path to diagnosis.
- To promote the growth of ASASA membership in South Africa.
- To promote public awareness of Spondyloarthritis through the media, public forums and other means.
- To be a voice for advocacy for Spondyloarthritis patients across South Africa nationally and provincially.
- To support and advocate for research into Spondyloarthritis in South Africa.
- To provide a national resource centre for information relevant to the Spondyloarthritis community.
- To provide a national forum for partnership between the medical and patient communities to further research into the causes and management of Spondyloarthritis.
- To participate in the international Spondyloarthritis community.
Andrea’s Gift Foundation is a patient-centred, pro-awareness Non-Profit Foundation founded in March 2018, and offers:
- Patient Education
- Hospital visits
- Lupus clinic visits
- Awareness campaign
- Lupus patient and family counselling
- Lupus patient community groups
- Emotional support
Our foundation is growing at a tremendous rate and our impact on the lupus community in South Africa has brought HOPE to those living with this debilitating, life-threatening disease.
We refer to anyone living with this condition as a Lupus Warrior because together with them we can ignite their hunger to overcome the effects of the disease by effective management. We help Lupus Warriors transform their outlook and quality of life in practical, authentic, and relevant ways, showing them that one can live with purpose despite lupus.
The South African Psoriasis Association (SAPSA) aims to provide support to individuals affected by psoriatic disease. Our small group of volunteers focus on raising awareness, offering credible educational resources, and fostering a supportive community to help people navigate the challenges of living with psoriatic disease and its associated conditions. SAPSA hosts active WhatsApp groups and a presence on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)
a Patient-orientated, non-profit organisation that is dedicated to providing access to information about the impact, consequences and management of arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).
Understanding the course of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has led to important breakthroughs in therapy, yet many needs of people living with PsA remain unmet. Through the GoodCare Project for PsA , IFPA aims to unite with rheumatologists and the PsA community to raise awareness of updated treatment guidelines and promote their use worldwide.
Resources
Good Care for Psoriatic Arthritis Article
Patient Checklist: A tool to support you beyond the clinic
Psoriatic Arthritis Clinical and Care Guidelines: Treat to Target Guidelines
Biologic Education
THE DISEASE:
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis are all autoimmune diseases.
Your body’s immune system protects you from infection by attacking bacteria and viruses that invade your body. In autoimmune diseases, your immune system stays stimulated and overproduction of TNF by some immune cells results in an exaggerated immune and inflammatory response and is one of the main culprits that lead to joint and bone damage.
BIOLOGICS: Biologics are disease-modifying agents.
It is a protein that resembles a human antibody which targets TNF, thereby blocking the effect in its continual inflammatory cycle. Benefits are maintained as long as you stay on the biologic medication
Simply put – Biologics switch off your disease and allows your body to heal itself.
