Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints and causes inflammation, swelling, and pain. It can also affect other parts of the body, such as the lungs, eyes, and skin. One form of RA that affects the hip joint is called Other Rheumatoid Arthritis with Rheumatoid Factor of Hip (ORA-RF).
ORA-RF is a type of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, which means that the usual blood tests used to diagnose RA are negative for the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF). However, in ORA-RF, the blood tests show the presence of RF in the hip joint.
ORA-RF can cause significant pain and disability in the hip joint, which can affect a person's ability to walk, stand, and perform other activities of daily living. It can also lead to joint damage and deformity if left untreated. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and treat ORA-RF as early as possible.
The symptoms of ORA-RF are similar to those of other types of RA, such as pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement in the hip joint. However, some people with ORA-RF may also experience symptoms in other joints, such as the knee, ankle, or shoulder.
It is also important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. These lifestyle factors can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health and well-being.
In summary, ORA-RF is a type of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis that affects the hip joint. It can cause significant pain and disability if left untreated. If you suspect that you may have ORA-RF, it is important to see a rheumatologist for diagnosis and treatment.