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Though most people think there is no cure for arthritis, I
have successfully treated this disease with the aids of spirits call me for more
information, Jean (561) 588-9282
Known facts on Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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
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Round,
painless nodules under the skin
-
Skin redness
or inflammation
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Paleness
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Swollen glands
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Eye burning,
itching, and discharge
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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
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