Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Treatment
BY Brenda Schmitt
Arthritis affects over forty million Americans. Arthritis is the most common chronic disease in people over forty and the most common cause of disability in people over fifty. Arthritis is not just a disease of these age groups however; some forms of arthritis can start as early as infancy. Arthritis is a large group of over one hundred different conditions with similarities and differences. Early symptoms of all these types of arthritis can be similar and making an accurate diagnosis of which type of arthritis one is suffering from difficult. Arthritis is the nation’s number one crippling disease. Arthritis is very common in those over sixty and it is generally accepted that we all will develop some degree of arthritis is we live long enough. One particularly crippling and painful form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1.3 million people in the United States. Worldwide 1-2% of the population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune illness in which the body’s own attacks its tissues. A particularly insidious disease, rheumatoid arthritis attacks not just the joints of the body but can affect all major organ systems as well. Rheumatoid arthritis appears to have a genetic component as well. Several members of the same family may be affected by the disorder. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Although it can’t be definitively proven rheumatoid arthritis is felt to possibly be triggered by agents such as viruses, bacteria and fungi.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary greatly from person to person. Common symptoms may include, fatigue, loss of energy, loss of appetite, joint aches and stiffness. In rheumatoid arthritis the symptoms are usually symmetrical meaning they occur on both sides of the body equally. The small joints of the hand writs and feet are common sites of the disease and can cause disability in walking and common activities of daily living such as dressing. Over time joint deformity can occur and is noticeable in the nodules and boney growth of fingers and toes. Destruction of the joints and atrophy of the surrounding muscles can occur.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not a fatal disease; however, the inflammation it causes can affect all major organs. The heart muscle, valves and vessels can be affected causing a number of disorders including pericarditis an inflammation of the lining of the heart, myocarditis an inflammation of the heart muscle itself or vasculitis an inflammation of the blood vessels and coronary artery disease. The spleen can be enlarged by inflammation and cause risk of rupture. It may also affect the lining of the lungs causing pleurisy and even the eyes can be affected.
Diagnosis is based on the pattern of symptoms, blood work results, and x-rays. Your doctor will probably perform a sed rate and many other blood tests. Regular x-rays will help follow the disease progression and assist in deciding the next course of treatment.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is aimed at decreasing symptoms, disability, and joint and organ damage. Treatment can include use of cold and heat modalities, splints and orthotic devices to support the joints, water aerobic type exercise, steroid and other anti- inflammatory medications and dietary changes.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease whose symptoms vary widely and tend to wax and wane. While there is no cure, treatment can decrease symptoms and improve quality of life. If you think you have this disorder follow up with your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment is vital to prevent disability and maintain function.
This article is meant to be in formative and is not to be taken as medical advice.
Sources:
<http://www.arthritis.org/arthritis-is.php>
<http://www.arthritis-relief-guide.com/>
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Septic_arthritis
<http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm>
<http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp>
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/AN00
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