When Joint Pain Isn’t Just Ageing: A Closer Look at Rheumatoid Arthritis
Mr. Lee is 68, semi-retired, and enjoys his morning walks around the neighbourhood. But lately, he’s noticed something odd: his fingers feel stiff in the morning, and his knees ache even before he gets out of bed. He shrugs it off as “just getting old”… until the swelling in his knuckles refuses to go down and even zipping up his jacket becomes a struggle.
Sounds familiar?
Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness — especially in the hands, knees, or feet — isn’t always just ageing. It could be Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), a serious but treatable condition.
Here’s what it is, how it starts, and what you can do about it.
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to mistakenly attack your joints. This leads to painful inflammation, swelling, and over time, damage to the joint itself.
RA doesn’t just wear your joints down — it creates inflammation that can affect your entire body, including your lungs, eyes, heart, and even blood vessels.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which is due to wear-and-tear over time, RA is driven by autoimmune dysfunction, and often starts earlier than many expect.
How Does It Start?
Rheumatoid Arthritis usually begins with vague symptoms, which is why it can be tricky to catch early.
Common early signs include:
- Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
- Fatigue or feeling unusually tired
- Low-grade fever
- Mild swelling or pain in small joints (fingers, toes)
- Warmth or redness in joints
It may start in just one or two joints, often symmetrically — meaning both left and right wrists or knees, for example.
When Does It Usually Begin?
Rheumatoid Arthritis can affect anyone, but it commonly starts between the ages of 40 and 60. In Singapore, many seniors are diagnosed in their 50s or 60s, sometimes even later.
That’s why it’s important to know what to look out for — and not to assume all joint pain is due to ageing.
What Happens If It’s Ignored?
Here’s the truth: Rheumatoid Arthritis is progressive.
If not treated early, it can lead to:
- Joint deformities in fingers, hands, or feet
- Loss of mobility and independence
- Muscle wasting due to disuse
- Increased risk of falls
- Systemic issues like heart disease, lung problems, and eye complications
Early detection is key. Left untreated, RA can significantly reduce quality of life, particularly for seniors who already face age-related mobility challenges
Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Get Worse With Age?
Yes, RA can worsen over time, especially in older adults. The body’s ability to recover slows down with age, and joint damage becomes harder to reverse once it sets in.
However, with proper management, exercise, and physiotherapy, many seniors continue to live independently and stay active.
Is RA Inherited?
Genetics can play a role. If you have a family history of autoimmune conditions or RA, you may be more likely to develop it. However, genes alone don’t cause RA — environmental and lifestyle factors matter too.
Can Stress Cause Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Stress doesn’t directly cause RA, but it can trigger flare-ups or worsen inflammation. Chronic stress may also weaken the immune system and increase the severity of symptoms.
How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?
Treatment for RA focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and slowing joint damage. The treatment plan typically includes:
1. Medication (prescribed by a rheumatologist)
- Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)
- Anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids during flare-ups
2. Physiotherapy
At Physio & Sole Clinic, our physiotherapists help seniors with RA:
- Improve joint mobility and flexibility
- Maintain muscle strength
- Reduce pain through hands-on therapy and tailored exercises
- Support balance and prevent falls
3. Podiatry and Orthotics
RA often affects the feet and ankles. Our podiatrists assess walking patterns and provide:
- Custom insoles to offload painful joints
- Footwear advice for better support
- Nail and skin care for RA-related foot complications
4. Lifestyle Modifications
- Stress management (e.g., mindfulness, breathing exercises)
- Sleep quality improvement
- Joint protection strategies (e.g., using aids, spacing out tasks)
Is Exercise Good for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
While rest is important during flare-ups, low-impact exercise helps:
- Reduce joint stiffness
- Improve circulation
- Strengthen muscles that support the joints
Some senior-friendly options include:
- Tai chi or qigong
- Swimming or aqua therapy
- Seated stretches and resistance band exercises
Our physiotherapists can guide you on safe, personalised routines.
Which Foods Are Good for Arthritis?
Some foods may help reduce inflammation:
- Fatty fish (like salmon, sardines)
- Olive oil
- Berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes
- Whole grains and nuts
Avoid foods that trigger inflammation, such as:
- Processed and fried foods
- Refined sugar and white bread
- Excessive red meat
- Sugary drinks and alcohol
A balanced anti-inflammatory diet, combined with physiotherapy, can greatly support joint health.
Can You Live a Long Life With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Yes, many people live long, fulfilling lives with RA — especially with early diagnosis and proactive care.
The key is to:
- Stick to your treatment plan
- Stay active and engaged
- Get regular check-ups
- Know when to rest and when to move
Lifestyle Tips for Seniors with RA in Singapore
- Use joint-friendly kitchen tools to reduce strain
- Space out household chores to avoid overexertion
- Install grab bars in the toilet and bathroom
- Wear supportive footwear — avoid flat slippers
- Book regular physio and foot assessments
- Keep a symptom journal to track flare-ups
The Local Support You Deserve
At Physio & Sole Clinic, we’re committed to helping seniors in Singapore live confidently with rheumatoid arthritis. With 11 convenient locations, multilingual care, and a team of trained physiotherapists and podiatrists, we make it easy to:
- Manage joint pain
- Improve balance and flexibility
- Stay independent longer
Ready to Get Started?
If you or a loved one are living with joint pain or stiffness, don’t wait.
Rheumatoid arthritis is serious — but with the right help, you can take back control of your life.
Book a consultation today. Your joints will thank you.
