Joint Care Tips

By

Alfred Okoko

·

Rheumatoid Arthritis : Symptoms, Causes and Treatment – Joint Care Tips

Arthritis is a catch-all term for around 200 conditions that inflame and damage joints. Nearly 1.5 million Americans are living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. RA is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting women three times more often than men. While the…

Arthritis is a catch-all term for around 200 conditions that inflame and damage joints. Nearly 1.5 million Americans are living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. RA is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis, affecting women three times more often than men.

While the cause of RA is unknown, the disease occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of movement in the affected joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary from person to person, and even from day to day. Some people experience a long period of remission, during which they may not have any symptoms. Others may have mild, intermittent symptoms for years before the disease becomes more severe.

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:

* joint pain and swelling

* stiffness, particularly in the morning

* a feeling of fatigue or tiredness

* loss of appetite

* weight loss

* depression or anxiety.

Rheumatoid Factor

Rheumatoid Factor is a substance that is produced by the body’s immune system and is found in the blood of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid factor is an antibody that attacks the body’s own tissues. The presence of rheumatoid factor in the blood can be used to help diagnose RA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

Many factors may be involved, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Some possible causes include:

-Autoimmune response: In people with rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. This may be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

-Infection: A bacterial or viral infection may trigger the autoimmune response that leads to rheumatoid arthritis.

-Hormonal changes: Changes in hormones such as estrogen and progesterone may contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

-Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Check Article
Benefits of Almonds

Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications

There are many potential complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis. These can include:

* Joint deformity and destruction

* Stiffness in the joints

* Severe pain

* Reduced range of motion

* Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet

* Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis)

* Heart problems

* Inability to use the hands and fingers

* Lung disease

Rheumatoid Arthritis Stages

There is no one definitive way to stage rheumatoid arthritis, as different clinicians may use different systems. However, a simplified way of staging RA is:

Early stage: Symptoms are mild and primarily involve the hands and feet.

Mild stage: Symptoms are more pronounced and may involve multiple joints throughout the body.

Moderate stage: The disease has progressed significantly and causes significant joint damage.

Severe stage: The disease has caused significant disability and joint damage, which may be accompanied by inflammation of other organs.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment



A combination of medications, lifestyle changes and self-care may help control symptoms. Some common treatments for RA include:

· Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain

· Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow or stop the progression of RA

· Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation

· Physical therapy to improve joint function and mobility

· Occupational therapy to help with activities of daily living

· Pain relief medications such as acetaminophen or opioids

In addition to medication, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can help manage RA symptoms. These include:

· Exercising regularly – exercise can help keep joints flexible and improve overall health; aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week

· Maintaining a healthy weight – being overweight can put stress on joints and make them more painful; losing weight if needed can help ease symptoms

· Eating a healthy diet – omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils may help reduce inflammation while fruits and vegetables provide important antioxidants; avoid processed foods and sugary drinks as they may aggravate symptoms

· Managing stress – stress can worsen inflammation and pain, so practices like yoga or meditation may be helpful in managing symptoms; seeking counseling or support groups may also be beneficial for some people with RA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the musculoskeletal system. RA is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In RA, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Over time, RA can damage the joints and other tissues in the body.

There is no cure for RA, but there are treatments that can help reduce inflammation and pain, and slow down the progression of the disease. Some common treatments for RA include medication such as anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, and steroids; physical therapy; and surgery.

Let’s connect
Online Consultations Available
More Articles

Tags:

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Leave a comment