Arthritis and Its Affects

At a very young age I was diagnosed with Junior Rheumatoid Arthritis, now as an adult it is called Rhematiod Arthritis. I now have had both hips and both knees replaced due to the deforming effects of RA.

If you are not sure of the pain you are experiencing check with a medical doctor. Prompt attention to Arthritis is Key to keeping from damaging effects.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory illness; it is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks normal tissue. This affects about one percent of the world's population. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis primarily attacks the linings of the joints.

RA usually comes on over a period of a few months. However for some, the disease may appear over night. Rapid onset does not mean the individual is at greater risk of disease progression.
Rheumatoid arthritis may have different affects on different people. Some individuals may experience extreme pain while others may not. Patients often suffer cycles of severe and light symptoms.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Some of the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are:

• Joint swelling. Especially in the small joints of the hands and feet.
• Joint tenderness, stiffness, and pain. Especially in the morning.
• Tiredness

Women suffer from it two to three times more than men.
Relatives of people with rheumatoid arthritis have an increased risk of developing the disease. The siblings of severely affected people with rheumatoid arthritis are at highest risk.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed?

A series if Blood work and urinalysis

Most patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have antibodies called rheumatoid factors in their bloodstream that are part of the inflammatory process of the disease. Doctors to help confirm a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis use the presence of rheumatoid factor. However, rheumatoid factor may not be a definitive test for rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid factor is also found in cases of chronic infection and in some other types of autoimmune disease. High levels of rheumatoid factor are often seen in severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis.

The diagnostic criteria of the American College of Rheumatology state that four out of seven signs and symptoms must be present for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis to be made. Symptoms such as morning stiffness and swelling should be present for at least six weeks before the diagnosis is considered certain.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis treated?

Rest and heart, and lungs may also become inflamed. The hands and feet are most often affected, but any joint lined by a membrane may be involved. The inflammation can be controlled by medication. If the inflammation is not controlled the joints may become deformed.
exercise programs. Good nutrition is also very important. It is important because patients with a more advanced disease often experience anemia and weight loss. Medication to control pain and stiffness and reduce the risk of joint deformity. Common medication may be celebrex, methotrexate, enbrel, predisone, or Tylenol.

With proper treatment, many people newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis can prevent or delay the more disabling and feared complications of the disease.