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Do Rheumatoid arthritis flares make your elbows and feet sore and hurt?
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∙ 10y ago
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What are the joints most effectively affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Hands feet elbows shoulders wrists fingers However Ra Will attack just about any joint in the body and some other tissue as well
What types of arthritis of the feet?
It could be osteoarthritis's, rheumatoid arthritis or even gouty arthritis as well as a variety of other forms of the disease
What joints are most commonly affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The joints that are most commonly affected by Rheumatoid Arthritis are the joints most commonly used in everyday usage such as fingers, knees, legs and feet.
Does arthritis cause feet and ankles to burn?
I have arthritis and this feeling can occur. especially in your feet, it feels like you need to just sit downI have rheumatoid arthritis and I get a burning sensation in all of my joints, particularly during a flare up.
Can you get rheumatoid arthritis in your feet?
You certainly can, as I have discovered several times. According to my rheumatologist, I have a high pain threshold judging from the condition of the cartilage in my feet.
An Introduction to Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that effects the joints. Most commonly, the disease manifests in the joints of the hands and feet. The disease causes the immune system to attack the body's tissues and can lead to severe joint damage and other issues.What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may experience swelling or tenderness in the joints, stiffness in the early hours of the day, bumpy masses of tissue under the skin, weight loss, unusual tiredness and fever. During the early stages of the disease, patients may notice pain in the joints of the hands and feet. Eventually, symptoms may spread to other joints like the knees, hips or shoulders. Symptoms often flare up, becoming severe for a period of time, before calming during a remission period.What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?Doctors are not sure what causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissues, but the disease is likely genetic.What are the Risk Factors for Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis?Numerous factors may affect the risk of developing this disease. Women and the elderly are more likely than men or young people to develop the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis may also run in families. Smoking is also a risk factor.What are the Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis?Rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than just joints. Patients diagnosed with the rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the skeleton and can cause bone fractures. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause cardiovascular problems, carpal tunnel syndrome and lung disease.How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?Rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenge to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to those of other diseases. There is no one procedure that can be done to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis but doctors may perform a physical exam, blood tests or x-rays to diagnose the disease.
What are symptoms of seronegative arthritis?
They are just about the same as those you would find for Rheumatoid arthritis and may include Pain and stiffness in joints lower back, Hips, Knees, Ankles, Feet, Toes, shoulders, Elbows, Wrists, Hands and fingers. Redness and swelling over joints, Tenderness over joints, Skin lesions, Skin nodules, Nail deformities, Sore red eyes, Fatigue and Mouth lesions. For more info on this go to the related link below (Seronegative arthritis).
What is the typical joint involvement with rheumatoid arthritis?
The most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are swelling, fatigue and pain. A more detailed and complete list containing the less common symptoms can be found in the corresponding article on the wikipedia website.
What is the basic pathology of rheumatoid arthritis?
What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Even though infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, none has been proven as the cause. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is a very active area of worldwide research. It is believed that the tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited (hereditary). Certain genes have been identified that increase the risk for rheumatoid arthritis. It is also suspected that certain infections or factors in the environment might trigger the activation of the immune system in susceptible individuals. This misdirected immune system then attacks the body's own tissues. This leads to inflammation in the joints and sometimes in various organs of the body, such as the lungs or eyes. It is not known what triggers the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the exact trigger, the result is an immune system that is geared up to promote inflammation in the joints and occasionally other tissues of the body. Immune cells, called lymphocytes, are activated and chemical messengers (cytokines, such astumor necrosis factor/TNF, interleukin-1/IL-1, and interleukin-6/IL-6) are expressed in the inflamed areas.Environmental factors also seem to play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. For example, scientists have reported thatsmoking tobacco, exposure to silica mineral, and chronic periodontal disease all increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. When body tissues are inflamed, the disease is active. When tissue inflammation subsides, the disease is inactive (in remission). Remissions can occur spontaneously or with treatment and can last weeks, months, or years. During remissions, symptoms of the disease disappear, and people generally feel well. When the disease becomes active again (relapse), symptoms return. The return of disease activity and symptoms is called a flare. The course of rheumatoid arthritis varies among affected individuals, and periods of flares and remissions are typical. When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, loss of energy,lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Arthritis is common during disease flares. Also during flares, joints frequently become red, swollen, painful, and tender. This occurs because the lining tissue of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). The synovium also thickens with inflammation (synovitis).Rheumatoid arthritis usually inflames multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected). Early symptoms may be subtle. The small joints of both the hands and wrists are often involved. Symptoms in the hands with rheumatoid arthritis include difficulty with simple tasks of daily living, such as turning door knobs and opening jars. The small joints of the feet are also commonly involved, which can lead to painful walking, especially in the morning after arising from bed. Occasionally, only one joint is inflamed. When only one joint is involved, the arthritis can mimic the joint inflammation caused by other forms of arthritis, such as gout or joint infection. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, including cartilage and bone. This leads to a loss of cartilage and erosion and weakness of the bones as well as the muscles, resulting in joint deformity, destruction, and loss of function. Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis can even affect the joint that is responsible for the tightening of our vocal cords to change the tone of our voice, the cricoarytenoid joint. When this joint is inflamed, it can cause hoarseness of the voice. Symptoms in children with rheumatoid arthritis include limping, irritability, crying, and poor appetite.
What type of shoes might a patient with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis need?
I have feet that I am told by my doctor are badly damaged by Rheumatoid arthritis. I find that when I wear the nifty sporty Nikes etc I always end up with sore feet. So now I have settled on normal leather shoes and I have never looked back since. They don't cost a fortune, they don't give you wet feet when it rains, and they last more then 5 times as long as sneakers without starting to stink to high heaven.
Can you get gout in both feet at the same time?
It is unlikely it is more likely to be rheumatoid arthritis. Have it checked out from that angle because th sooner you catch RA and start treating the symptoms the better.
Why do arthritis attack people?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint disease that damages the joints of the body. It is also a systemic disease that potentially affects internal organs of the body and leads to disability. The joint damage is caused by inflammation of the joint lining tissue. Inflammation is normally a response by the body's immune system to "assaults" such as infections, wounds, and foreign objects. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is misdirected to attack the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as RA.The inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function.The inflammation often affects other organs and systems of the body, including the lungs, heart, and kidneys.If the inflammation is not slowed or stopped, it can permanently damage the affected joints and other tissues.Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis associated with infections. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues it is supposed to protect.The immune system produces specialized cells and chemicals, which are released into the bloodstream and begin to attack body tissues.This abnormal immune response causes inflammation and thickening of the membrane (synovium) that lines the joint. Inflammation of the synovium is called synovitis and is the hallmark of an inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.As the synovitis expands inside and outside of the joint, it can damage the bone and cartilage of the joint and the surrounding tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the smaller joints, such as those of the hands and/or feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and/or ankles, but any joint can be affected. The symptoms often lead to significant discomfort and disability.Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities of daily living, such as standing, walking, dressing, washing, using the toilet, preparing food, and carrying out household chores.The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis interfere with work for many people. As many as half of those with rheumatoid arthritis are no longer able to work 10-20 years after their condition is diagnosed.On average, life expectancy is somewhat shorter for people with rheumatoid arthritis than for the general population. This does not mean that everyone with rheumatoid arthritis has a shortened life span. Rheumatoid arthritis itself is not a fatal disease. However, it can be associated with many complications and treatment-related side effects that can contribute to premature death.Although rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the joints, it is a disease of the entire body. It can affect many organs and body systems besides the joints. Therefore, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic disease.Musculoskeletal structures: Damage to muscles surrounding joints may cause atrophy (shrinking) that results in weakening. This is most common in the hands. Atrophy also may result from not using a muscle, usually because of pain or swelling. Damage to bones and tendons can cause deformities, especially of the hands and feet. Osteoporosis and carpal tunnel syndrome are other common complications of rheumatoid arthritis.Skin: Many people with rheumatoid arthritis develop small nodules on or near the joint that are visible under the skin. These rheumatoid nodules are most noticeable under the skin on the bony areas that stick out when a joint is flexed. Dark purplish areas on the skin (purpura) are caused by bleeding into the skin from blood vessels damaged by rheumatoid arthritis. Purpura is particularly common in those patients who have taken cortisone medication. This damage to the blood vessels is called vasculitis, and these vasculitic lesions also may cause skin ulcers.Heart: A collection of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) from inflammation is not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis. This usually causes only mild symptoms, if any, but it can be very severe. Rheumatoid arthritis-related inflammation can affect the heart muscle, the heart valves, or the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries). Heart attacks are more frequent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than those without it.Lungs: Rheumatoid arthritis' effects on the lungs may take several forms. Fluid may collect around one or both lungs and is referred to as a pleural effusion. Inflammation of the lining tissues of the lungs is known as pleuritis. Less frequently, lung tissues may become stiff or scarred, referred to as pulmonary fibrosis. Any of these effects can have a negative effect on breathing. Lung infections become more common.Digestive tract: The digestive tract is usually not affected directly by rheumatoid arthritis. Dry mouth, related to Sjögren's syndrome, is the most common symptom of gastrointestinal involvement. Digestive complications are much more likely to be caused by medications used to treat the condition, such as gastritis (stomach inflammation) or stomach ulcer caused by NSAID therapy. Any part of the digestive tract may become inflamed if the patient develops vasculitis, but this is uncommon. If the liver is involved, it may become enlarged and cause discomfort in the abdomen.Kidneys: The kidneys are not usually affected directly by rheumatoid arthritis. Kidney problems in rheumatoid arthritis are much more likely to be caused by medications used to treat the condition. Nevertheless, severe, long-standing disease can uncommonly lead to a form of protein deposition and damage to the kidney, referred to as amyloidosis.Blood vessels: Inflammation of the blood vessels can cause problems in any organ but is most common in the skin, where it appears as purple patches (purpura) or skin ulcers.Blood: Anemia or "low blood" is a common complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia means that you have an abnormally low number of red blood cells and that these cells are low in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen through the body. (Anemia has many different causes and is by no means unique to rheumatoid arthritis.) A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) can occur from Felty's syndrome, a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that is also characterized by enlargement of the spleen.Nervous system: The deformity and damage to joints in rheumatoid arthritis often lead to entrapment of nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one example of this. Entrapment can damage nerves and may lead to serious consequences.Eyes: The eyes commonly become dry and/or inflamed in rheumatoid arthritis. This is a result of inflammation of the tear glands and is called Sjögren's syndrome. The severity of this condition depends on which parts of the eye are affected. There are many other eye complications of rheumatoid arthritis, including inflammation of the whites of the eyes (scleritis), that often require the attention of an ophthalmologist.Like many autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis typically waxes and wanes. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis experience periods when their symptoms worsen (known as flares or active disease) separated by periods in which the symptoms improve. With successful treatment, symptoms may even go away completely (remission, or inactive disease).About 1.3 million people in the United States are believed to have rheumatoid arthritis.About 75% of these are women. Women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.Rheumatoid arthritis affects all ages, races, and social and ethnic groups.It is most likely to strike people 35-50 years of age, but it can occur in children, teenagers, and elderly people. (A similar disease affecting young people is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.)Worldwide, about 1% of people are believed to have rheumatoid arthritis, but the rate varies among different groups of people. For example, rheumatoid arthritis affects about 5%-6% of some Native-American groups, while the rate is very low in some Caribbean peoples of African descent.The rate is about 2%-3% in people who have a close relative with rheumatoid arthritis, such as a parent, brother or sister, or child.Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, the disease can be controlled in most people. Early, aggressive therapy, soon after the initial diagnosis, is optimally targeted to stop or slow down inflammation in the joints can prevent or reduce symptoms, prevent or reduce joint destruction and deformity, and prevent or lessen disability and other complications.
