Rheumatoid Arthritis Signs and Symptoms
A systemic autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects synovial (flexible) joints, organs and tissue. The synovium (casing around the joints) becomes inflamed resulting in the swelling of the synovial cells, synovial fluid and fibrous tissue in the synovium. RA often causes damage to articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints, and the cause of RA is still unknown.
(See also: Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Studies)
About 1% of the world's population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, about 67% of which are women. Most RA patients become afflicted with the disease between the ages of forty and fifty. A rheumatologist, a specialist in joint, muscle and bone diseases, performs the diagnosis and medical supervision.
RA can be very painful and disabling. About 50% of RA patients in England and Wales are unable to work with their disabilities within ten years of diagnosis. Without proper treatment, RA can worsen and cause significant loss in mobility and functioning.
Treatments and therapies for RA include:
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Analgesia (painkillers)
Steroids
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Biologics
Physical therapy
Orthoses
Occupational therapy
Nutritional therapy
Analgesia and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids, suppress the symptoms of RA such as swelling and pain. DMARDs and biologics inhibit the underlying immune process and preclude long-term damage. Physical therapy, orthoses, occupational therapy and nutritional therapy do not hinder the progression of joint damage.
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Damage to the articular cartilage, synovial (flexible) joints, organs and tissue
Ankylosis of the joints
Inflammation of the synovium (casing around the joints)
Swelling of the synovial cells, synovial fluid and fibrous tissue in the synovium
Anemia
Episcleritis
Vasculitis
Rheumatoid nodules
Lung problems, including:
Lung fibrosis
Pleural effusions
Rheumatoid lung disease
Cardiac and blood vessel problems, including:
Pericarditis
Endocarditis
Atherosclerosis
Cardial infarction
Stroke
Scleromalacia
Valvulitis
Renal amyloidosis
Synovitis (arthritis of the joints) causing the following joint disorders:
Swelling
Tenderness
Warmth
Stiffness
Tethering of joint tissue, resulting in the following:
Loss of movement
Erosion of the joint surface
Loss of joint function
Joint deformity
Ulnar deviation
Boutonnaire deformity
Swan neck deformity
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Peripheral neuropathy
Discoloration of the skin (purplish)
Increased risk of lymphoma
If you think you may have RA, consult your healthcare professional. RA can be diagnosed through x-ray exams, blood tests and physical check-ups. There is an array of treatments available for RA sufferers, so ask your rheumatologist what medications and therapies are right for you.
(See also: Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Studies)
About 1% of the world's population suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, about 67% of which are women. Most RA patients become afflicted with the disease between the ages of forty and fifty. A rheumatologist, a specialist in joint, muscle and bone diseases, performs the diagnosis and medical supervision.
RA can be very painful and disabling. About 50% of RA patients in England and Wales are unable to work with their disabilities within ten years of diagnosis. Without proper treatment, RA can worsen and cause significant loss in mobility and functioning.
Treatments and therapies for RA include:
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Analgesia (painkillers)
Steroids
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Biologics
Physical therapy
Orthoses
Occupational therapy
Nutritional therapy
Analgesia and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as steroids, suppress the symptoms of RA such as swelling and pain. DMARDs and biologics inhibit the underlying immune process and preclude long-term damage. Physical therapy, orthoses, occupational therapy and nutritional therapy do not hinder the progression of joint damage.
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Damage to the articular cartilage, synovial (flexible) joints, organs and tissue
Ankylosis of the joints
Inflammation of the synovium (casing around the joints)
Swelling of the synovial cells, synovial fluid and fibrous tissue in the synovium
Anemia
Episcleritis
Vasculitis
Rheumatoid nodules
Lung problems, including:
Lung fibrosis
Pleural effusions
Rheumatoid lung disease
Cardiac and blood vessel problems, including:
Pericarditis
Endocarditis
Atherosclerosis
Cardial infarction
Stroke
Scleromalacia
Valvulitis
Renal amyloidosis
Synovitis (arthritis of the joints) causing the following joint disorders:
Swelling
Tenderness
Warmth
Stiffness
Tethering of joint tissue, resulting in the following:
Loss of movement
Erosion of the joint surface
Loss of joint function
Joint deformity
Ulnar deviation
Boutonnaire deformity
Swan neck deformity
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Peripheral neuropathy
Discoloration of the skin (purplish)
Increased risk of lymphoma
If you think you may have RA, consult your healthcare professional. RA can be diagnosed through x-ray exams, blood tests and physical check-ups. There is an array of treatments available for RA sufferers, so ask your rheumatologist what medications and therapies are right for you.
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