Conditions
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
SymptomsRheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, and inflammation of the tissue around the joints. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis depend on the degree of tissue inflammation.
When body tissues are inflamed, the disease is active. When tissue inflammation subsides, the disease is inactive (or in remission). Remissions can occur spontaneously or with treatment, and can last weeks, months or years. During remissions, symptoms of the disease disappear, and patients generally feel well.
When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, 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).
Causes
Scientists still do not know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis. They know that with rheumatoid arthritis, a person’s immune system attacks his or her own body tissues. And even though infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi have long been suspected, none has been proven as the cause.
Some scientists also believe that the tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis may be genetically inherited, and researchers are learning many things about why and how this happens. Environmental factors also seem to play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, scientists have reported that smoking tobacco increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Some scientists also think that a variety of hormonal factors may be involved. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men.
How to treat it
At present, the goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce joint inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent joint deformity and destruction. Early medical intervention has been shown to be important in improving outcomes.
In most instances, treatment is customised according to many factors such as disease activity, the types of joints involved, general health, age, and patient occupation. Treatment is most successful when there is close cooperation between the doctor, patient, and family members.
Early disease symptoms are best controlled by appropriate disease suppression methods, usually with a combination of specific anti-rheumatic agents (corticosteroids) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID). While these ‘first line’ medications can relieve joint inflammation and pain, they do not prevent joint destruction or deformity. Late disease pain is often related to mechanical factors associated with established joint damage, and paracetamol may be used. Check with your doctor to discuss what pain relief medication is best for you.
Lifestyle considerations
Physical activity pumps energy around your body. It increases oxygen and blood flow to your active muscles and ‘warms-up’ your joints so they can move more smoothly. Exercise also stimulates the release of endorphins (adrenaline) which are your body's own natural pain relievers.
Activities such as walking, cycling and swimming are also excellent. These activities are low-impact, so they minimise the stress on your joints. They also make your heart, lungs and muscles more efficient and boost your immune system function. Aerobic exercise really is the key to good health.
Please contact your doctor to develop your personal rheumatoid arthritis plan. Your doctor can provide expert advice regarding safe participation in exercise and a healthy lifestyle to complement your medications treatment. Your doctor can help design your lifestyle program and provide referrals to other health professionals. This website also contains some excellent resources, so take some time to browse.
Your local pharmacist is an excellent source of information about rheumatoid arthritis and appropriate medications that may be helpful in your treatment.
Sourced from:
www.medicinenet.com
www.arthritis.org
How Herron Can Help
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