Rhematoid Arthritis – Living Off With It
By John Reed on Mar 11, 2009 with Comments 0
There are over 100 different types of arthritis with rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. It affects mostly who are between the ages of 25- 55.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Our body produces white blood cells and antibodies to fight the infections. in this disease the immune system is not able to recognize the body’s tissue mistaking it as foreign and thus attacking it causing an inflammation.
This type of arthritis can cause throbbing, swelling, rigidity and loss of function to the joints. It can either last for a short time or it can be very debilitating and cause severe deformities. It usually requires a treatment which can be go on till the end of life or even surgery.
Though the cause of the onset of this disease has yet to be discovered it is generally believed that the attack of the foreign antibodies due to infection by bacteria or genetics is the main factors which promote this disease. Obesity and smoking are also risk factors of RA.
RA starts slowly and can have various symptoms. It can affect the joints of the hands and legs which include wrists, knuckles, elbows, knees, ankles or feet. Hips, shoulders, jaw, neck and back may also be affected. The general symptoms of RA are:
- Rigidity: muscle and joint stiffness is usually experienced in the morning which can ease away later in the day. The extent of movement of the joints becomes limited and reduced.
- Irritation, redness and inflammation of the skin. The joints may appear hot to the touch.
- The affected joint becomes puffy and swollen.
- Fleshy lumps may appear on feet, hands and elbows. These are called RA nodules. Though these are not painful they can hinder the movement of the joints.
- Pain experienced in the affected joints. This can be due to the inflammation and swelling. The force of the ache can vary.
- Low fever
- Deformities of hand and feet
- Exhaustion and low energy
- Loss of appetite
- Paleness
- Weight loss
- Anemia
If rigidity of the joint lasts for more then 2 weeks it is time to take action and seek medical advice. Though there is no single test which will determine this disease your physician will examine your blood test to establish whether you have anemia. The x-ray of your joint will also help in the diagnoses of RA.
You can treat RA at home by exercising lightly your joints to prevent them from becoming inactive and stiff. Swimming is considered to be the best exercise to treat RA as it reduces the strain and strengthens the muscles. Losing weight may cut down the tension on the joints. Eating a healthy diet and incorporating lots of water may prove beneficial in this condition. Having occupational therapy can relieve the pain and ease the motion of the joints. Painkillers have made life a lot easier and bearable for those people suffering from RA.
There is no known prevention of RA experiments and therapies are under research to find its cure. Although RA requires life-long treatment and early diagnoses can prevent and delay the joint deterioration.
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Filed Under: Arthritis • General Health
