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Rheumatoid Arthritis |
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Rheumatoid arthritis affects about one percent of the
world’s population. It is a chronic inflammatory illness, characterized by
the inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. Rheumatoid
arthritis is also an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system
attacks normal tissue components as if they were invading pathogens.
Rheumatoid arthritis inflammation primarily attacks the linings of the
joints, however, the membrane linings of the blood vessels, heart and lungs
may also become inflamed.
The joints in the hands and feet are most often affected by rheumatoid
arthritis, but any joint lined by a membrane may be involved. Medication can
control the inflammation; if the inflammation is not controlled, deformity
of the joints can result. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting
in chronic pain, lost function and disability.
There are three stages of rheumatoid arthritis. The first stage starts with
the swelling of the synovial lining, causing pain, warmth, stiffness,
redness and swelling around the joints. The second stage is the rapid
division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the thickening of the
synovium. In the third stage, the inflamed cells releases enzymes that bone
and cartilage may absorb causing the involved joint to more pain, deformity
and loss of movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients suffer from cycles of severe and light
symptoms. The following are symptoms and effects of rheumatoid arthritis:
* Joint swelling in small joints of the hands and feet
* Joint tenderness, stiffness, and pain especially in the morning
* Hardened lumps in joints
* Cartilage and bone destruction
Rheumatoid arthritis can have a serious effect on a person’s life and
health, especially if it is not detected and treated early. Knowing the
correct diagnosis early is very important because it helps you start the
appropriate treatment immediately thus giving you a better chance to avoid
disability and deformity.
It is always advisable to consult your physician regarding the diagnosis and
treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. With the proper diagnosis, you can take
control of the disease with the right medication. Doctors have many ways to
treat this disease, the goals of which is to take away pain, reduce
swelling, slow down or stop joint damage, help people feel better, and help
people stay active.
Currently, the exact cause of the disease is unknown, although there are
several theories, like abnormal autoimmune response, genetic susceptibility,
and some environmental factors. Scientists are well on their way to
understanding the events that lead to abnormal responses of the body’s
immune system. And while there is no cure, controlling the disease through
the use of new drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and
self-management techniques have been done by patients to have happier,
healthier and more fulfilling lives. |
| This article
is provided courtesy of Roxanne Courtmanch. Please visit
www.thehelpingcircle.com for more articles on arthritis
as well as many other topics that may be of interest to you.
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