Serious Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
You may have seen dozens of commercials on television about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, or RA as it is commonly referred to and yet what do you really know about the dangers? Though you probably realize that RA is a painful joint ailment, do you know there are some very serious rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
RA Defined
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systematic inflammatory disorder that is most commonly associated with twisted joints and pain. Symptoms usually develop over a period of time, weeks or even months and generally affect the joints. Painful swollen joints can be symptomatic of several different diseases, but with RA you will it is common for the swelling and tenderness to be symmetrical, in other words on both sides of the body. Women are three times more likely to suffer rheumatoid arthritis symptoms than men and about 1% of the world population is afflicted. RA is an autoimmune disorder, which basically means the body’s immune system is on the attack.
Severe Symptoms
If you have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis you need to understand that this is a progressive disease and in time, it can affect more than just your joints. Inflammation can occur in tissue or organs and lead to severe or even dangerous complications. Here are a few commonly overlooked rheumatoid arthritis symptoms to watch for:
- Tingling and numbness- swelling in your connective tissue can result in pressure against nerve endings which causes a numb or tingling feeling. Have you noticed sudden weakness in your hands or feet? It could be RA at work and nerve damage is a distinct possibility. This occurs most commonly near the wrist and should be evaluated by your rheumatologist or physician as soon as possible.
- Breathing Issues- Remember that this type of arthritis is inflammation, which can affect the heart and lungs as well as your joints. If you are experiencing shortness of breath or feel “winded” more easily than normal you may be experiencing complications. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms such as these could point toward a coming heart attack or fluid build-up around the lungs.
- Fingertips- have you noticed some abnormal spots on your fingernail or fingertips? They may appear red or black in color and indicate that tissue in these areas has died due to inflamed blood vessels. It should be pointed out that this is a rare symptom, but when present indicates a widespread systemic inflammation. Left untreated you could lose a finger!
- Infection- you probably already know that a high temperature is indicative of an infection. However, were you aware that that your drugs for rheumatoid arthritis symptoms could be the root of the problem. Prescription drug treatments leave the body more vulnerable to a variety of infections. When you are being treated for RA, pay attention to what your body is telling you! Infections that the average person can fight off easily could be another matter for you. Watch for fever, (low or high grade), fatigue, depression, weight loss, night sweats and extremely inflamed “spots”.
- Bruising- Have you found yourself bruising more easily than normal? This is yet another indicator and or side effect of rheumatoid arthritis symptom treatments. The disease can affect your blood platelet count, resulting in quicker bruising. While you may not mind a few dark spots here and there, you should know you are also at higher risk for heavy bleeding.
- Bone Fractures- few people may think of bone fractures when they think of arthritis; however, RA can result in bone loss or mask the presence of osteoporosis. To make matters worse, taking common treatments such as prednisone exponentially increases your risk for fractures.
- Ulcers- not a direct result of RA but more a side effect of treatment. Many people take high doses of NSAIDs for pain relief, and they tend to work. Unfortunately, these drugs can take an awful toll on the lining of the stomach and digestive tract. When taking these types of medications make sure and report any stomach pain, blood in the stool or extremely dark bowel movements. NSAID’s can wreak havoc on the stomach causing bleeding and even a hole in the wall.
- Eyes- Have you attributed dry red eyes to lack of sleep? It could be another serious rheumatoid arthritis symptom. A little itching or dryness is probably nothing to worry about; however, a sudden pain deep in the eye itself accompanied by reddening could be a serious situation. Never hesitate to call your physician better to be a little over vigilant.
Conclusion
As you can see, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can go far beyond swollen angry joints, as can the complications. You may be tempted in the early stages of the disease to overlook seemingly innocuous symptoms or side effects, however when dealing with a serious autoimmune disorder like RA it is better to err on the side of caution. If you are recently diagnosed and experiencing any of these symptoms or you are, concerned you may be seeing, the first signs make an appointment with your physician. The above symptoms and side effects are far from an exhaustive list and only a physician can absolutely confirm your diagnosis and offer proper treatment. This is a serious disorder that can be managed effectively for many years, with the proper medical intervention.
A Deeper Look At Rheumatism
The medical term, rheumatism, has once been frequently used in describing disorders that are associated with numerous parts of the body. Oftentimes, people associate this condition with arthritis, rheumatic fever or a compilation of some strep throat that may result to damage of the heart. In reality, this medical term may apply to the symptoms of many different conditions that cause weakness or pain.
Among the most common conditions that were once called rheumatic diseases are rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, osteoarthritis, tendonitis and fibromyalgia. The other autoimmune disorders that remained unnamed and cause pains while affecting the other organs were also generally labeled as a case of rheumatism.
Some illnesses, such as lupus, were also particularly susceptible to the term. A clearer understanding of this condition, however, will reveal that these the issue is not mainly the dysfunction of joints. Instead, it is an autoimmune disease wherein the immune systems attack the organs, joints and muscles.
There are other forms of this condition that is referred to as non-articular rheumatism. This may affect soft tissues and cause pain to different areas throughout the body. Conditions similar to fibromyalgia and tendonitis belong to this category. The non-articular diseases may also be localized in a specific area of the body.
One good example is the bursitis. This is a disease that affects only the bursa. In anatomy, the bursa is a special fluid-filled sac inside a joint. This protects the overlapping muscles and the joints and serves as padding or shock-absorber. Its purpose is to protect the soft tissues from rubbing against the hard bone, which may result to damages.
Other conditions of a non-articular disease may have resulted from a repetitive motion. Take the case of the carpal tunnel syndrome. The carpal tunnel is a slender area located under the ligament of the wrist. This consists of nerves and tendons or the connective tissues between the bones and the muscles. A median nerve is located below the forearm of the wrist.
When this nerve is affected or irritated, it results to pain. This is the condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The most common cause of this condition is the positional problem when grouping some items or poor hand position when typing. This repetitive motion can damage the tendons in the long run.
The temporomandibular joint syndrome or TMJ is another type of a non-articular disease. This condition only affects the joint of the jaw. This may include painful popping or clicking when moving the jaw or getting stuck as the mouth opens or closes. A number of people are being treated annually to prevent these problems.
However, the term rheumatism now has limited usage in the medical communities. The health professionals agree that specific labeling of an illness can lead to clearer standard that provides better and more efficient treatment. They saw the need to differentiate one disease from the others. They realized that distinguishing the illness is important in treating the condition. After all, treating the lupus is way different from dealing with TMJ or bursitis.
What You Should Know About Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
It can be crippling to feel arthritic pain in your body. Although this kind of condition is mostly associated with adults or the older generation, there is also a version of the condition that can affect kids and the younger generation. The condition is called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis or JRA. This is a condition with still unknown causes. It is important to know much about this mysterious disease and how it affects children.
JRA is sometimes also called juvenile idiopathic arthritis owing to the fact that it is of unknown causes. It is a condition that affects people who are younger than sixteen years old. It is an autoimmune disorder that results when the body is attacking their own cells, and in this case, the joint cells. It would lead to inflammation that can then result to the cascade of symptoms. It can be a transient kind of condition, but may also be chronic. It affects the synovial part of the joints that lubricates the joints when moving.
The real cause of this disease is still unknown. It is still cloaked in mystery. For some apparent reason, the body is attacking its own synovial cells. Some doctors believe it is an autoimmune response for the presence of some strains of virus. Some doctors also believe it is a response to a change in environment or climate. Some also believe that it is due to a defect in the genes. Females are also more likely to develop this condition. Caucasians are also more predisposed to this kind of condition. Studies are still being made into the real culprits of the disease.
Pain is the most common symptom for this condition. The person suffering from it would complain of joint pains. They would also complain of morning stiffness that will then gradually improve over the day. Limping in children can be a sign of the condition. The joints may also swell, although this may not show if it is in the deeper joints like in the spine and sacral area. It can also lead to fatigue, appetite loss, and have flu-like symptoms.
This condition, if not treated, can also lead to various complications. It can lead to eye complications such as uveitis. Uveitis, if left untreated, will also lead to eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, and blindness even. Growth will also be disturbed, and fractures and contractures can also be experienced.
To diagnose this, various tests will be used as no single test can confirm it. Doctors will use blood exams and x-rays as well as symptom interpretation to diagnose this condition. Other imaging studies such as MRI may also be done to detect swelling in deeper joints.
The treatment is geared towards the reduction of swelling. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs can be given. Steroid injections can also be administered in the affected area.
Physical and occupational therapy is also very crucial in the treatment. Physical therapy will help the child make movements especially if pain, stiffness, and limping may be present. Occupational therapy will help the child to adapt to their daily life even with the condition.
It is really crucial to know more about juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is something that should be studied more. Children affected with it should still lead normal lives and live with the condition in a positive way.
Facts People Need To Know About Degenerative Arthritis
Among the many problems that a lot of older people these days suffer from is degenerative arthritis. This is a condition where a patient suffers from pains caused by bone joint and cartilage problems. Since this is one condition that can be very challenging for a person to face, knowing some important facts about it will help one deal with it in a most effective manner.
This type of condition is sometimes referred to as osteoarthritis. Considered as the most common form of the condition, it is believed that people are most likely to develop symptoms of this condition as they mature and they grow older. Hence, it would be very rare for these conditions to be prevalent on younger people, especially with children.
People who seem to be suffering from the symptoms of this condition have to see their respective physicians as soon as possible so proper medications will be accorded to them to help get the problem addressed. Professional intervention is always better in this case since doctors can recommend the right medicines that one may take to alleviate the symptoms and the pain.
This type of condition often occurs when the cartilage that serve as coating to the bones that are connected in a joint begin to deteriorate. Since they serve as the bone’s cushion against rubbing with another bone, when it disintegrates, the cushion is removed and ever time the bones move, there will be friction. This friction then, causes one to feel pain.
One can easily detect the presence of degenerative arthritis in a person if the affected joint feels painful and is also tender to the touch. Oftentimes, pain is observed by affected people during periods of activity, shortly after they have performed an activity, or even during periods when they are resting. Among the most common areas affected by this problem are the feet, knees, hands, spine, and the hips.
People need to understand that problems like these tend to develop as a result of the body getting old. Since the human anatomy too, is subject to wear and tear, the bones are also susceptible to this kind of issue. Since cartilages are made of protein and protein is something that gradually lessens in production within the human body as it ages, it is but normal for the cartilage to disintegrate too.
Another risk towards suffering from this condition is obesity. One must understand that the increase in his overall body weight is likely to take a toll on his joints. Hence, there is a faster wearing and tearing of this particular part of his body that will often result to the cartilage getting damaged and worn out as a result. This is often prevalent in an obese person’s knee area.
However, people should know that treating degenerative arthritis has become a lot easier these days, With the number of qualified physicians who specialize in this particular field, they will find that it becomes a lot easier for them to get the assistance that they need by referring to such medical providers. This way, they can be accorded the right medication to address the issue.
Tips To Consider When Organizing A Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
If you get afflicted with a disease that causes your joints to get inflamed and painful to move, then you should understand that aside from seeing your doctor and letting them recommend you the right medications, there is a need for you to properly watch out what you eat. This is the reason why you need to follow the proper rheumatoid arthritis diet.
People need to be aware that there are certain food items that will likely trigger them from suffering pain due to the presence of such a condition in their body. Thus, to avoid those situations where they ended up experiencing sever pain and inconvenience from the symptoms of the disease, they need to properly keep track of the kind of food that they intake.
One good way of finding out which foods are likely to trigger the symptoms and which ones do not is to remove some of the food items in your menu and have them added back in a gradual manner. People need to understand that the mere nature of the disease as being an autoimmune one makes it possible for different people with the same condition to have different trigger foods.
It will be easier for you to start with a very simple and basic diet. Then, to be able to identify which among the food that you have been eating are most likely to cause you pain and discomfort from the symptoms, you can try adding them back again an item at a time. Those that you found to have triggered the symptoms can be eliminated from your food menu permanently.
Your rheumatoid arthritis diet should include those set of food items that will actually help improve your condition and not worsen it in any way. For instance, you might want to include such items as papaya, cilantro, red belle peppers, corn and oranges. These food items have the component of beta-cryptoxanthin, which helps reduce the effects of this condition.
Focus on eating a lot of food items that contain Vitamin C. This vitamin is considered a natural component that helps bolster a person’s immune system. With the disease being autoimmune in nature, you are less likely to experience it if you choose to eat those food items that significantly decreases the chances of you from getting afflicted with it.
Be sure to include omega-3 rich foods ion your regular meal intake since the oil that fish produce can significantly decrease the cases of inflammation that you may experience. In addition, make sure about including olive oil in the regular food items you consume as they also help decrease the tendency of a person to get afflicted with joint inflammation.
In addition, talk to your physician who has been giving you the prescriptions that you need to address your condition. They should be able to give you some helpful recommendations on the type of rheumatoid arthritis diet that you should be following. This will help you follow path towards dealing with the disease in the healthiest and most convenient manner. Besides, these professionals should know better when assisting you.
The Problem of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Hands
Rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common disease, afflicting almost one percent of the adult population. It is the most common kind of inflammatory arthritis and is most often developed in middle age.
Rheumatoid arthritis in hands is by far the worst form of rheumatoid arthritis, because hands are so integral to most people’s lives, and losing functionality in the hands and wrists has enormous potential to disrupt one’s life.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in hands are typically gradual in onset. Most people do not experience a dramatic change from healthy hands to hands afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis. Changes tend to be subtle at first.
The first change that is typically noticed is a lack of mobility in the finger joints, especially the interphalangeal joints, of which there are two in each finger. This lack of mobility gradually worsens with time and is often accompanied by growing pain and inflammation. Although it may take years for the pain and inflammation to reach its peak, disability is usually reached long before that point.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis in hands, or any kind of arthritis at all. The best the helpless sufferer can do is avail themselves of palliative care, and attempt to diminish the painful symptoms of the disease.
To better understand the biologically, psychologically, and socially destructive effects of rheumatoid arthritis in hands, it helps to look more closely at exactly which functions tend to be lost at given points in the disease’s progression.
In the first stage of rheumatoid arthritis in hands, the sufferer typically experiences only transient symptoms and no loss of functionality. Typing, sewing, cooking, shaking hands, and turning doorknobs can all be performed with nothing but mild discomfort.
In the second stage of the disease, the sufferer begins to notice pronounced inflammation and a gradual slowing of joint mobility. Typing becomes impossible and many other tasks requiring significant manual dexterity become quite difficult. Shaking hands and turning doorknobs are still possible, but the sufferer begins to avoid them as they only exacerbate the pain.
By the time the third stage of the disease is reached, the sufferer has lost virtually all ability to perform tasks requiring manual dexterity without feeling enormous amounts of pain. Even when the hands are kept perfectly still, the pain is quite intense and does not respond well to anything but potent analgesics. At this point in the disease’s progression, the sufferer will typically have visited with a number of doctors and received many consultations, but will be unable to do anything to treat the underlying cause of the problems because no cures are available at present.
Researchers are currently working to unlock the causes of rheumatoid arthritis in hands, and while a cure in the near future is unlikely, there is hope. Research has already indicated possible hormonal and genetic causes of the disease. As more research is conducted and more of the public is made aware of the pain and difficulties imposed by rheumatoid arthritis, it is likely that effective drug treatments will be developed.
Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is characterised with pain and inflammation of joints. It is an auto-immune disease in which the joints and the surrounding tissues are attacked by body’s immune system. It is a life-long disease having periods of flares followed by period of remission. During the flare-ups the tissues are inflamed and the disease actively manifests the surface symptoms; whereas during the remission period, the inflammation is subsided and the symptoms vanish completely. The periods of relapse and remission may vary from patient to patient. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are unique and quite depressing because as the disease progresses, the pain and loss of function of the affected joint affect patient’s daily routine activities.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually develop gradually over a period of time but in some patients it may be acute onset. Symptoms commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis are:
- Stiffness: Stiffness is usually the first symptom and the hallmark of the disease. Morning stiffness of the joints that lasts for more than an hour and is present for three consecutive months is the characteristic symptom. Stiffness occurs after prolonged sitting and physical exertion. The body loosens up after some sort of mild physical activity.
- Pain, Swelling and Inflammation: Rheumatoid arthritis is characterised by inflammation of single or multiple joints. The affected joint is swollen, tender and red due to inflammation. During the acute flare, the pain is excruciating and affects the normal routine activities. The synovial membrane is thickened due to inflammation. The pain often occurs symmetrically.
- Joints involved: Although RA can affect any joint in the body, but it first develops in small joints-wrists and knuckles. It may affect joints of spine, shoulder, elbow, ball of foot or knee joint.
- Damage to the bone tissues: As the disease progresses, bone erosion and loss of cartilage can result in deformity of joint. This also causes weakness of muscles and joints.
- Nodules: In 20% of the cases, nodules or lumps under the skin are formed due to inflammation of small blood vessels. These pea-sized nodules can occur around any joint but are most commonly seen around the elbow joint.
- Pleuritis: RA can affect the lining of lungs, pleura and cause inflammation. The symptoms of pleuritis are pain in chest while taking deep breaths, cough and shortness of breath.
- Pericarditis: Pericarditis is caused due to inflammation of lining of heart. It is characterised by pain in chest that is aggravated by lying down.
- Anaemia: RA results in reduction of RBCs and WBCs and this increases the risk of recurrent infections.
- Hoarseness of voice: One of the rarest rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is hoarseness of voice which occurs due to inflammation of joint of vocal cord.
- General symptoms: The common systemic symptoms that are associated with rheumatoid arthritis are poor appetite, loss of weight, fatigue, muscle pain, low grade fever, flu like symptoms and depression.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in children are recognised as juvenile arthritis. The symptoms are pain and swelling of joints, excessive crying, limping, impaired appetite and irritability.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is said to be an autoimmune disease that causes severe chronic inflammation of the joints. Autoimmune in the sense that the body’s tissues are destroyed by their own immune system. This disesase affects not only the joints, but other tissues and organs in the body becomes severely inflamed as well. Even though this disease lasts for years, patients may experience little to no symptoms at all.
Some General Facts about Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Researchers have spent a great deal of time trying to come up with a cause for this illness but they have still found no cause.
- In addition to not having a cause, there is really no cure either.
- Rheumatoid arthritis does not have a set age group that it affects. As such anyone can quickly develop this type of ailment
- Rheumatoid arthritis can destroy the joints at an early age and cause permanent muscle and joint deformity.
- Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis involves daily exercises, rest and medication prescribed by a physician. As stated earlier the causes of this illness is unknown, however researchers believe that rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary and that certain environmental factors and infections might contribute to a flare up especially to people that are prone to having arthritis.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The symptoms of this disease is generally dependent on the amount of inflammation found in the tissues. When the tissues in the body are heavily inflamed then the arthtitis is said to be active, when there is little or no inflamation then it is said to be inactive. When the disease becomes active, patients usually become extremely fatigued, there is usually a loss of energy, and some people experience a loss of appetite. Other symptoms include stiffness of the muscles and joints and this is very evident in the early mornings and especially when there is a lack of activity. Arthritis is very common especially when patients develop some kind of disease and these flare up cause the joints to become swollen, tender and often cause severe redness.
There maybe subtle indications of arthritis in some people. For example the joints of both hands and wrists become affected. As a result it becomes extremely difficult for some people to turn a doorknob and participate in daily activities such as washing dishes or other menial tasks. At times it even becomes difficult to walk especially after sitting for prolonged periods of time
Treatment for Arthritis
As stated above, there is really no cure for this type of disease. However there is some action that can be taken to help to lessen the pain for many. Treatment includes increasing joint functions and preventative steps taken to prevent joint destruction and deformity. Treatment for this illness can be carried out depending on the type of joints involved, age factor and general family history.
People with certain types of disease and disease that has diminished over the years can have their arthritis managed with rest and anti inflammatory medications. However if the joints are severely deformed then surgery maybe required.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that involves the inflammation of tissues and joints. It may also effect other areas of the body too. This is an autoimmune disease and the cause as of now is unknown. Some doctors and researchers believe that rheumatoid arthritis can be caused by genetic makeup, hormonal changes and certain types of infections. It is most commonly found in middle aged women but can be found in men and younger people also.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are varied, however they are usually felt equally on both sides of the body. The most common joints and tissues that are effected are knees, knuckles, wrists, and ankles. This pain will often start slowly and then will progress. You may notice stiffness or numbness upon waking, pain on both sides of the body such as both wrist joints hurting, and as the disease progresses you may not be able to use these affected joints as you once did. You may also have chest pain, nodules under the skin, dry mouth and eyes, your skin in the effected areas may have a burning sensation and you may also have burning eye sensations too. This may include itching and discharge from the eyes.
If you have any of these symptoms, it is best to consult your physician. While there is no definitive test to show that you do have rheumatoid arthritis, there are some tests that can help your doctor to diagnose you properly. The two most common types of lab tests that are done are the Rheumatoid Factor Test and the Anti-CCP Antibody test. Your doctor may also perform procedures such as a blood culture, MRI, Joint ultrasounds and xrays or a synovial fluid analysis.
If you are diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, there are many types of treatments available for you. However, this is a lifelong disease and it cannot be cured. There are several types of treatments such as medications, surgery, and physical therapy. The first type of treatment that most RA sufferers will be given are disease altering antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate. These are given in addition to inflammatory drugs such as celecoxib and rest. Since Rhuematoid Arthritis is a autoimmune disease other medications such as white blood modulators may be used in the more serious cases.
Surgeries such as synovectomy and total joint replacements may be needed to repair damaged joints that have been affected by RA. Some of these surgeries may include full knee, hip, and shoulder replacements. This is usually done in extreme cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
Finally, physical therapy is also a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Your therapist may use several machines to exercise and increase the range of motion in your joints. They may also prescribe exercises for you to do at home.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that you have to live with forever. But, there are ways that you can make living with RA easier on you. However, it is very important to receive proper doctor treatment and care as it can effect your lung, spinal cord and heart. This is why it is vital to get the proper treatment so you can help control your rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks normal joint tissues, causing inflammation of the capsule surrounding the joint. It is a chronic long-term disease that affects mainly joints and the surrounding tissues but can also affect other organs of the body such as eyes, skin, pleural lining etc. The disease is characterised by periods of flare-ups where the patient has acute symptoms followed by remission period where the disease is under control. Women are affected more than men.
CAUSES: The exact cause of Rheumatoid arthritis is not known but some factors are known to be related to the occurence of disease. Environmental and genetic factors can trigger the body’s immune reaction against own cells. Genetic factors: Hereditary fators play an important role in carrying forward the genes responsible for causing the disease. Environmental factors: The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be triggered by an infection or hormonal changes.
SYMPTOMS: The onset of the disease is gradual with involvement of one or two small joints. Depending upon the tissue inflammation, the symptoms appear on the surface and then subside. The disease affects symmetrically which means joints from both the sides are affected equally. The symptoms are: Early symptoms are minor joint pain, stiffness and fatigue. Morning stiffness that lasts for an hour.
The affected joints are stiff, warm and tender to touch. As the disease progresses, the range of motion of the joints is affected and deformities of affected joints starts. The swelling can destroy the joint ligaments, cartilage and bone.
General symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, dullness and low grade fever are also observed during the acute phase. Extra-articular symptoms include pleurisy (chest pain), dry mouth, itchy and watery eyes, nodules under the skin and burning and numbness of hands and feet.
DIAGNOSIS: Rheumatoid Arthritis is diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation of symptoms, tests and examination of the patient. Laboratory investigations include test for Rheumatoid factor and citruline antibody, blood tests (ESR) and X-ray findings. Clinical findings such as rheumatoid nodules and warm, tender inflamed joint confirms the diagnosis.
TREATMENT: There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment focusses on alleviation of symptoms and preventing the further involvement of the joints. The paln of the treatment is to reduce joint inflamamtion and pain, maximize the functioning of joint and prevent destruction and deformity of joint. Studies have shown that early medical intervention helps in controlling the disease. The treatment plan is customised according to the individual symptoms.
The oral medications are the first line of treatment. Basically two types of medicines are used-DMARDS (Disease Modifying Anti-rheumatic drugs) that slowly controls the progression of the disease and another one (anti-inflammatory drugs) that aggressively controls the acute symptoms. Antimalarial medications and corticosteroids are used in some cases to reduce pain and inflammation. Surgery is required in cases where joint is deformed.
Certain dietary and lifestyle changes such as reducing the intake of high calorie processed food and including raw fruits and vegetables; exercise and reducing alcohol help in arresting the progress of disease.