Understanding the Facts About Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Answer 1

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a particular form of arthritis. It happens in the joints on both sides of the body, for instance both wrists or both knees. Symptoms include joint pain and swelling, stiffness and fatigue. Its onset doesn’t follow one strict pattern. Some people will have rheumatoid arthritis come along rapidly and for others it will be a very slow progression. Rheumatoid arthritis can also go into spontaneous remission.

Approximately one percent of the U.S. population has rheumatoid arthritis. It usually occurs in middle age, but can occur in children and the elderly also. Women are twice as likely to get it as men. However, when men do get this disease, they usually will have more severe symptoms. No one knows the exact cause of this type of arthritis, but some research suggests a combination of genetic, environmental and hormonal factors. It seems that something triggers the immune system to attack the joints and even in some cases the organs, such as the lungs or the heart.

Here’s what happens when you have rheumatoid arthritis. Immune cells move through the blood to the joints and produce inflammatory substances. This causes inflammation, irritation and wearing down of the cartilage. Since the cartilage fills the space between the bones, as it disappears, the space shrinks and the bones can actually rub against each other. All of this causes the joints to become very painful and swollen.

There are a few different ways to detect rheumatoid arthritis, but the most deciding factor is a blood test that shows the rheumatoid factor antibody. This, combined with the presence of bumps and nodules under the skin and swollen, painful joints will lead to a positive diagnosis.

The treatment for rheumatoid arthritis depends upon the person’s age, overall health, medical history and the severity of the arthritis. There are many different treatments including medication, rest and exercise. Usually, a patient will be treated with medicine, but will also need to rest when the joint is inflamed and exercise to improve the condition of the joint. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to restore function to the damaged joint.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but the above treatments can prevent it from becoming debilitating.