Rheumatoid arthritis is a
chronic (long-term) inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints and
surrounding tissues but can also affect other organ systems.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
General discomfort, uneasiness, or malaise
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Joint pain, joint stiffness, and joint swelling
Joint pain may include wrist pain, knee pain,
elbow pain, finger pain, toe pain, ankle pain, or neck pain
Limited range of motion
Morning stiffness lasting more than one hour
Deformities of hands and feet
Round, painless nodules under the skin
Skin redness or inflammation
Paleness
Swollen glands
Eye burning, itching, and discharge
Numbness or tingling
Causes, Incidents and Risk Factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The cause of rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) is unknown. However, RA involves an attack on the body by its own
immune cells (auto-immune disease). Different cases may have different causes.
Infectious, genetic, and hormonal factors may play a role.
The disease can occur at any
age, but it begins most often between the ages of 25 and 55. The disease is more
common in older people. Women are affected more often than men. Approximately
1-2% of the total population is affected. The course and the severity of the
illness can vary considerably.
Are there and medications used to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA usually requires lifelong
treatment, including various medications, physical therapy, education, and
possibly surgery to relieve the symptoms of the disease. Early, aggressive
treatment for RA can delay joint destruction. In addition to rest, strengthening
exercises, and anti-inflammatory drugs, the current standard of care is to begin
aggressive therapy with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) once the
diagnosis is confirmed.
Anti-inflammatory agents used
to treat RA traditionally include aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), fenoprofen, indomethacin,
naproxen (Naprosyn), and others.
Consult a health care
provider before long-term use of any medication, including over-the-counter
medications.
Are there any lifestyle changes that can be made to improve rheumatoid
arthritis?
Range-of-motion exercises and individualized exercise programs prescribed by
a physical therapist can delay the loss of joint function.
Joint
protection techniques, heat and cold treatments, and splints or orthotic
devices to support and align joints may be very helpful.
Frequent rest periods
between activities, as well as 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night, are
recommended.
Artheritis
The word artheritis
(arthritis) literally means joint inflammation. It is often used to refer to a
group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases that can cause pain, stiffness, and
swelling in the joints. These diseases may affect not only the joints but also
other parts of the body, including important supporting structures such as
muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, as well as some internal organs.
The common denominator for all these conditions is joint and musculoskeletal
pain which is why they are grouped together as Arthritis.
Arthritis most commonly affects the areas in or around the joints. Different
types of arthritis can affect one or more parts of a joint, often resulting in a
change in the shape and alignment of the joints.
Arthritis usually causes stiffness, pain and fatigue. The joints of the body are
the site of most of the action in arthritis.
Some of the warning signs of arthritis are joint inflammation, swelling,
stiffness, inflammation, constant or recurring pain or tenderness in a joint,
difficulty using or moving a joint normally, redness or warmth. These symptoms
may be accompanied by weight loss, fever or weakness.
Arthritis can be a debilitating condition in which even small day to day
activities and movements become hard to perform.
Three major factors which a play a role in the onset of arthritis include the
genetic factors which you inherit from your parents, what happens to you during
your life and how you live your life.
People who are over weight have a higher frequency of arthritis. Joint injuries
and excessive over use of the joints can increase the risk of some types of
arthritis. How ever doctors are still not sure as to what is the exact cause of
arthritis, though scientists are still trying to find that out.
It is important to find out if you have arthritis and if so of what type.
Early diagnosis and treatment of arthritis can help slow the joint damage that
can occur during the first few years.
Some basic things which you can do on your own are- try to keep your weight
down, lose any excess weight, exercise ( according to the plan provided by your
doctor), take your medicines as and when you are supposed to, try taking a warm
shower in the morning, see your doctor regularly and seek proper medical
guidance and as much information as you can.
