Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is exhibited with symptoms such as swelling or inflammation of the joints. Over a period of time rheumatoid arthritis can cause stiffness, pain and joint damage that can all contribute to problems with mobility. Since rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, once a person has it the disease will never go away, but it’s progression can be slowed down significantly with early detection and medication.

No one knows the cause of rheumatoid arthritis, although most agree that it has to do with a dysfunction with the immune system which causes it to attack healthy tissue which then causes a degeneration of the joints as well as inflammation. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, so doctors aim to help patients stall the disease as long as possible while reducing inflammation and controlling pain.

Most people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis first notice it in the joints of their hands and wrists, then later in larger joints of the body. It will equally affect both sides of the body. In more advanced cases of rheumatoid arthritis the tendons and bones are attacked, possibly leaving the person severely deformed and can make the joints unstable.

A small percentage of the population is affected by this disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 70% of the victims of the disease are women who first experience symptoms between the ages of 30 to 50 years. Although not common, this disease can also occur in children affecting girls more often than boys.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis is custom tailored to each individual. Treatment takes into account the severity of the arthritis, current mobility, pain levels and swelling, your personal lifestyle and other factors. Treatments will be adjusted during the course of your disease to best preserve your lifestyle and mobility. Your treatment may include a combination of anti-inflammatory medications, pain killers, anti-rheumatic drugs, and immune system drugs. Treatment may also include physical and occupational therapy to help you preserve joint mobility. Surgical intervention may be needed when joint damage is severe.

Patients have a much better outcome when their arthritis is detected as early as possible. The sooner the patient starts taking medication the slower the arthritis will progress, meaning that they can carry on with their lives without dealing with pain and inflammation for many more years. Treatments have progressed over the years meaning that more than ever a person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can lead a normal life.

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