A rheumatoid arthritis symptom may really be a cause for some concern. Like the other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can cause you a lot of pain and discomfort. It can also limit your ability to move efficiently. This particular form of arthritis results in the deterioration of the lining of the joints. If you want to find out if you have it, you would have to consider a couple of symptoms.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptoms of the condition affect the joints. The joints ca n swell, become stiff and are painful and tender to the touch. Affected joints include fingers, elbows, knees, ankles, hips, neck, jaw, hands and shoulders. The smaller joints are apparently affected first before the bigger ones. Joint swelling happens to the same joints on both sides of the body.
Aside from swollen joints, you could also suffer from a number of other symptoms. Bumps known as nodes may appear in some parts of the body. Flu-like symptoms are also common. One may experience fever and general fatigue. Sufferers also lose their appetite which may lead to weight loss.
Each particular rheumatoid arthritis symptom develops slowly. Symptoms may also come and disappear. When one suffers from symptoms, this is typically known as a flare up episode. The symptoms may then subside only to reappear again at another time. When the symptoms are present, movement becomes painful. Thorough damage of the joints can be permanently disabling.
Disease Causes
There is no final word on the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. It is possible that the condition runs in the family and that you are naturally predisposed to it. Certain life habits such as cigarette smoking may also make the condition worse. Like other autoimmune diseases, this one results from the action of the immune system. For some unexplained reason, white blood cells have a negative effect on the lining of the joints. You are at particular risk of developing the disease if you are female and within the 40-60 age bracket.
Solutions to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Since the disease causes are not fully understood, there is no current cure for the condition. Doctors however still recommend some form of treatment. Certain medications can help reduce the symptoms, slow down damage and stop total disability. Some possible medications include NSAIDs, DMARDs, steroids and immunosuppresants. In some cases, the disease can be so severe that surgery is required.
Your doctor would usually recommend lifestyle changes along with medications. You would have to stop smoking. You would also be told to eat only specific healthy foods and to perform exercises specifically made for arthritic patients. You should work closely with your doctor on your diet and exercise program. Some foods and movements may not be good for you. Following your doctor's advice will help you deal with the pain and challenges brought about by rheumatoid arthritis.
A rheumatoid arthritis symptom can really get you to feel a little down. This is especially when one considers that the disease can be crippling. You do not however, have to end up disabled. If you do as you are told, you can learn to live well even with the condition. - 15255
Symptoms
The most obvious symptoms of the condition affect the joints. The joints ca n swell, become stiff and are painful and tender to the touch. Affected joints include fingers, elbows, knees, ankles, hips, neck, jaw, hands and shoulders. The smaller joints are apparently affected first before the bigger ones. Joint swelling happens to the same joints on both sides of the body.
Aside from swollen joints, you could also suffer from a number of other symptoms. Bumps known as nodes may appear in some parts of the body. Flu-like symptoms are also common. One may experience fever and general fatigue. Sufferers also lose their appetite which may lead to weight loss.
Each particular rheumatoid arthritis symptom develops slowly. Symptoms may also come and disappear. When one suffers from symptoms, this is typically known as a flare up episode. The symptoms may then subside only to reappear again at another time. When the symptoms are present, movement becomes painful. Thorough damage of the joints can be permanently disabling.
Disease Causes
There is no final word on the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. It is possible that the condition runs in the family and that you are naturally predisposed to it. Certain life habits such as cigarette smoking may also make the condition worse. Like other autoimmune diseases, this one results from the action of the immune system. For some unexplained reason, white blood cells have a negative effect on the lining of the joints. You are at particular risk of developing the disease if you are female and within the 40-60 age bracket.
Solutions to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Since the disease causes are not fully understood, there is no current cure for the condition. Doctors however still recommend some form of treatment. Certain medications can help reduce the symptoms, slow down damage and stop total disability. Some possible medications include NSAIDs, DMARDs, steroids and immunosuppresants. In some cases, the disease can be so severe that surgery is required.
Your doctor would usually recommend lifestyle changes along with medications. You would have to stop smoking. You would also be told to eat only specific healthy foods and to perform exercises specifically made for arthritic patients. You should work closely with your doctor on your diet and exercise program. Some foods and movements may not be good for you. Following your doctor's advice will help you deal with the pain and challenges brought about by rheumatoid arthritis.
A rheumatoid arthritis symptom can really get you to feel a little down. This is especially when one considers that the disease can be crippling. You do not however, have to end up disabled. If you do as you are told, you can learn to live well even with the condition. - 15255
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