Essentially, rheumatoid arthritis is a kind of auto-immune disease which is inflammatory in nature. It is chronic disease (being a persistent and incessant medical condition) Rheumatoid arthritis is, unfortunately, one of the leading causes of disability in USA. There are thousands of people, of all ages (though, mainly middle-aged people) being diagnosed with this disease. Arthritis mainly affects the joints in the body. The joint is the place where two bones in the body meet. There is a layer of synovial fluid within the capsule enclosing the joint. In rheumatoid arthritis, this synovium is affected by the body’s own immune system. WBC (white blood cells) of the blood plasma, which is generally involved in developing the body’s immunity, travels to the joint tissue and causes inflammation, resulting in swollen and stiff joints. That is why rheumatoid arthritis is called an auto-immune disease. Although most patients have swollen joints as the evident sign of arthritis, there are many who have other symptoms, like anemia, neck pain, dry eyes and mouth.

Rheumatoid arthritis develops slowly in people. About 75% of the patients are women and it typically starts in the middle age. However, it can also develop in children and young adults. The most crucial symptoms include:

· Pain in the joints
· Swelling and inflammation in the joints
· Warmth around the affected areas
· Stiffness in the joints in the morning; lasting for about one hour or so.
An important point that must be kept in mind during diagnosis is that patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have a typical symmetry in the affected areas. This means that if the knee joint of the left leg is swollen, the same symptoms will be exhibited by the knee joint of the right leg. Hence, this symmetry is very helpful in diagnosing typical rheumatoid arthritis.

In almost one-fifth of the patients, there are small lumps or modules found on the elbows and hands. These are called ‘rheumatoid nodules’. Also, in rheumatoid arthritis, patients exhibit fatigue and stress in daily life. There is, sometimes, loss of body temperature (low fever), as well as certain signs of influenza. Loss of appetite and consequent weight loss is seen. Some patients also undergo depression during the course of the disease. There is limited movement in the affected areas and joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects people differently. In certain people, it persists for a few months or a year and disappears. In others, it has periods of excessive symptoms (flares), and periods in which the symptoms are less evident (remissions). Some very rare symptoms include inflammation of the blood vessels, lining of lungs, or the pericardium.

Thus, rheumatoid arthritis can be well treated and kept within limits, if the disease is diagnosed efficiently and flawlessly, which is only possible with proper knowledge of the symptoms

Summary:

Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis tend to manifest with a few episodes of painful joints and occasional swelling. These conditions must not be ignored in the initial stages and you must see a doctor immediately.

Learn How to Deal With These Active Symptoms Well

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be dealt very well with early and aggressive treatments in patients who have just been diagnosed with the disease. But people who have been experiencing these symptoms for over 10 years or even longer can also benefit from these aggressive treatments, provided that they have the active symptoms associated with the disease like pain of the joints and swelling.

Be Aware of All the Risks Associated With Long-term Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a potentially threatening disease and as it is a typical autoimmune disease, it can affect the internal organs as well. Chronic inflammation, which is caused due to rheumatoid arthritis, can lead to severe heart diseases. It is very important for rheumatoid arthritis patients to keep monitoring their blood pressure levels, their body weight and the cholesterol levels for a better health. One should make attempts to keep these levels healthy.

Choose a Healthy Way of Life

A healthy lifestyle can open up doors for over all well being. How you choose to live your life would have a direct impact on how your health would be; your dietary habits, your regular exercise routine and your other food habits and addictions would determine the condition of your health.

A balanced diet is a must for everyone and it is even important for a rheumatoid arthritis patient in order to maintain a good health and a balanced body weight. Over weight people are likely to over-burden their joints and cause more pain.

Aerobic exercises can be very helpful in combating fatigue and also improving one’s mood. Rheumatic patients are likely to suffer from stress and depression, which can be avoided.

Weight bearing exercises are also a great aid, but of course, only if the body permits. With rheumatoid arthritis, a patient is likely to have many physical limitations. One must also take ample portions of vitamin D, as supplements and some calcium as well for the health of their bones.

Apart from all this, patient suffering from long term rheumatoid arthritis must:

4 Sleep well every night.
4 Be active and sporty.
4 Eat well, a balanced diet preferably.
4 Avoid junk foods.
4 Keep a watch in their body weight.
4 Take medicines regularly.
4 Go for regular check ups.
4 Avoid sedentary lifestyle.

Summary:

Preventive measures must always be taken when a person is suffering from a disease as critical as rheumatoid arthritis. Though there are many treatment options, but the results would only manifest when a person has been taking good care of himself.