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Rheumatoid
Arthritis
Introduction
to Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can be classed as a chronic disease
which causes inflammation of the lining, or synovium,
of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage,
chronic pain, loss of function and disability.
Rheumatoid arthritis progresses to cause swelling of
the joints which inturn leads to pain, warmth, stiffness
and redness around the joint. As the diseases becomes
established it can also cause joints to lose their shape
and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement.
As rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease it may
not go away and will continue into old age. Rheumatoid
arthritis is a systemic disease, which means it can
affect other organs in the body. Early diagnosis and
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is critical if you
want to continue living a productive lifestyle. Studies
have shown that early aggressive treatment of rheumatoid
arthritis can limit joint damage, which in turn limits
loss of movement, decreased ability to work and potential
surgery.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1 percent of the U.S.
population or 2.1 million Americans and approximately
7 million UK citizens. Rheumatoid Arthritis affects
3 times more women than men and whilst both sexes share
many of the same problems, there are issues of interest
only to women, such as ‘Drugs and Breastfeeding’.
Advancements of rheumatoid arthritis research has resulted
in patients living happier and more productive lifestyles.
What causes
rheumatoid arthritis?
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Viruses,
bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, none has
been proven as the cause. Numerous theories exist regarding
the cause of rheumatoid arthritis. Some scientists believe
that rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited.
It is also suspected that certain infections or environmental
factors (a recent study highlighted individuals working
with oil as being more susceptible to the disease) might
trigger the immune system to attack the body's own tissues,
resulting in inflammation in various organs of the body
such as the lungs or eyes. Recently, scientists have
reported that smoking tobacco increases the risk of
developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Regardless of the exact trigger, the result is an immune
system that causes inflammation in the joints and occasionally
other tissues of the body.
What are the
symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending
on the degree of tissue inflammation. When body tissues
are inflamed, the disease is active. When tissue inflammation
subsides, the disease is inactive (in remission). Remissions
can occur spontaneously or with treatment, and can last
weeks, months, or years. During remissions, symptoms
of the disease disappear, and patients generally feel
well. When the disease becomes active again (relapse),
symptoms return. The return of disease activity and
symptoms is called a flare. The course of rheumatoid
arthritis varies from patient to patient, and periods
of flares and remissions are typical.
When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue,
lack of appetite, low grade fever, muscle and joint
aches, and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are
usually most notable in the morning and after periods
of inactivity. Arthritis is common during disease flares.
During flares, joints frequently become red, swollen,
painful, and tender. This occurs because the lining
tissue of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting
in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial
fluid). The synovium also thickens with inflammation
(synovitis).
In rheumatoid arthritis, multiple joints are usually
inflamed in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the
body affected). The small joints of both the hands and
wrists are often involved. Simple tasks of daily living,
such as turning door knobs and opening jars can become
difficult during flares. The small joints of the feet
are also commonly involved. Occasionally, only one joint
is inflamed. When only one joint is involved, the arthritis
can mimic the joint inflammation caused by other forms
of arthritis such as gout or joint infection. Chronic
inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, cartilage
and bone. This leads to a loss of cartilage and erosion
and weakness of the bones as well as the muscles, resulting
in joint deformity, destruction, and loss of function.
Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis can even affect the joint
that is responsible for the tightening our vocal cords
to change the tone of our voice, the cricoarytenoid
joint. When this joint is inflamed, it can cause hoarseness
of voice.
Because rheumatoid arthritis presents itself on many
different fronts and in many different ways, treatment
must be tailored to the individual, taking into account
the severity of your arthritis, other medical conditions
you may have and your individual lifestyle. Current
treatment methods focus on relieving pain, reducing
inflammation, stopping or slowing joint damage and improving
your functioning and sense of well-being.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease. It is crucial
that you get an early diagnosis and work with your doctor
to find the best treatment for you so that you can live
well with it. Just a few years ago, your doctor might
have only prescribed an over-the-counter pain reliever,
like an analgesic or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory
drug (NSAID), until you experienced increased disease
progression. Now, with the improvement of available
medications, doctors know that they have to be more
aggressive early on in order to prevent severe deformity
and joint erosion.
Health-Care
Professionals
In order to get the proper treatment for rheumatoid
arthritis you need to make sure you have the proper
health-care team. Your primary doctor for treating rheumatoid
arthritis should be a rheumatologist , a physician with
special training in arthritis and other disease involving
diseases of the bone, muscles and joints. Your rheumatologist
will coordinate with your primary care physician. Other
team members may include a physical therapist, an occupational
therapist, a nurse, a psychologist, an orthopaedic surgeon,
a physiatrist, and a social worker. Learn more about
these specialists in the Glossary of Health Professionals.
Medications
The proper medication regimen is important in controlling
your rheumatoid arthritis. You must help your doctor
determine the best combination for you. The main categories
of drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis are:
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) –
These drugs are used to reduce inflammation and relieve
pain.
Analgesic Drugs – These drugs relieve pain, but
don’t necessarily have an effect on inflammation.
Glucocorticoids or Prednisone – These are prescribed
in low maintenance doses to prevent joint damage.
Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) –
These are used with NSAIDs and/or prednisone to slow
joint destruction caused by RA over time.
Exercise
Exercise is an important component in staying healthy
when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Moderate physical
activity on a regular basis help decrease fatigue, strengthen
muscles and bones, increase flexibility and stamina,
and improve your general sense of well-being. Joint
flexibility is especially important when you have rheumatoid
arthritis because stiff joints means inability to do
daily tasks, such as buttoning a shirt or starting the
car. Learn more about the types of exercise that can
help you.
Recommended
Treatments
      
Click
here to view supports that provide heat and mild compression
to help arthritis sufferers
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