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What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease of the joints. Its exact
cause is unknown, and it may affect the eyes, blood vessels as well
as the joints. In this disease, the synovium, which is a thin membrane
surrounding a joint, gradually becomes inflamed and swollen, and
this leads to inflammation of other parts of the affected joint.
If the problem persists, the bones linked by the joints are slowly
weakened. In severe cases, bone tissue may eventually be destroyed.
The joints that are usually affected are the small bones in your
hands and feet, mainly knuckles and toe joints, but rheumatoid arthritis
can also occur in our wrists, knees, ankles or neck.
Hand
deformity typical of rheumatoid arthritis.
What are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may begin without obvious symptoms
in the joints with just vague muscle pains, and yet other times,
the symptoms may occur suddenly without any previous symptoms of
any kind. When the joints are affected, they become red, swollen
and tender to touch, painful and stiff. The stiffness is usually
more noticeable in the morning and as you move about and exercise,
the pain and stiffness gradually become less severe.
Consult your doctor:
If you have any of the above symptoms, consult your doctor. He will
examine your joints, do blood tests and take x-rays. Rheumatoid
arthritis can usually be identified as a result of these tests.
What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
Come to terms of what may be a permanent condition. Follow the advise
of your doctor, get plenty of rest and exercise regularly. Swimming
in a heated pool is good for stiff joints. Losing weight may give
your joints less stress. Your doctor may advise over-the-counter
anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen but in severe
cases, he may give you a prescription for a stronger medication
such as Celebrex or other similar drugs. Occasionally, surgery may
be required to replace the damaged joints with an artificial joint
but this is only recommended in severe cases where all other forms
of treatment has failed.
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