Rheumatoid Arthritis Disease Information

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system assaults its own healthy tissues and joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints and adjoining tissues. It is a long-term condition that can affect people of any age, but it is more frequent in women and persons over 40. The precise cause of RA is unknown, but it is thought to be activated by genetic, environmental, and/or lifestyle factors. It is also believed to involve an irregular immune response that causes the body to attack its own healthy tissues. The most common signs of RA include joint agony, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect any joint in the body, but they are most commonly seen in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and feet. Other symptoms may include exhaustion, fever, weight loss, and anemia. Treatment for RA concentrates on decreasing inflammation and relieving pain. This can be done with medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). In some cases, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes may also be suggested. RA can be a challenging condition to manage, but with appropriate treatment, it is possible to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. It is important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

Types Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  1. Classic Rheumatoid Arthritis
  2. Seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis
  3. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
  4. Felty's Syndrome
  5. Psoriatic Arthritis
  6. Sjogren's Syndrome
  7. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  8. Polymyalgia Rheumatica
  9. Ankylosing Spondylitis
  10. Fibromyalgia

Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  1. Joint pain and stiffness
  2. Swelling and tenderness in the joints
  3. Warmth around the joint
  4. Fatigue
  5. Loss of appetite
  6. Low-grade fever
  7. Dry eyes and mouth
  8. Nodules or lumps under the skin
  9. Muscle weakness
  10. Difficulty moving the affected joints

Diagnoses Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

  1. Physical check-up
  2. Laboratory examinations (e.g. full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, and uric acid)
  3. Imaging studies (e.g. X-rays, MRI, CT scan)
  4. Joint suction and biopsy
  5. Synovial fluid examination

What Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

Rheumatoid arthritis is a autoimmune malady that leads to swelling and irritation of the joints and adjacent tissue. It can cause soreness, rigidity, puffiness, and limited mobility in the joints. It can also have an impact on other organs, such as the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, and bloodstream.

How Rheumatoid Arthritis Is Treated

Rheumatoid arthritis is usually managed with a mix of medications, life adjustments, and physical therapy. Medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic response modifiers, corticosteroids, and painkillers. Habitual exercise, keeping a healthy weight, and stress-relief can help lessen symptoms. Physical therapy can help improve joint function and decrease discomfort. In some instances, surgery may be required to fix damaged joints.

How To Live With Rheumatoid Arthritis And Self-help

  1. Remain active: Physical exertion can aid in decreasing ache and stiffness, and enhance range of motion. Converse with your doctor about what sorts of exercise are most suitable for you.
  2. Eat nutritiously: Consuming a balanced diet can help reduce inflammation and improve general wellbeing.
  3. Obtain sufficient rest: Obtaining enough rest can help reduce fatigue and enhance your total energy levels.
  4. Control stress: Stress can worsen symptoms, so it is important to find ways to manage stress. Consider relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or massage.
  5. Seek support: Talking to other people with RA can help you feel less isolated. You can also join a support group or find an online community.
  6. Receive regular medical checkups: Regular checkups can help you stay on top of your condition and manage it effectively.
  7. Speak to your doctor about medications: There are many medications available to help manage RA symptoms.
  8. Experiment with alternative therapies: Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and biofeedback may help reduce pain and improve overall health.

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