Rheumatoid Arthritis – Symptoms and Treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Symptoms and Treatment An autoimmune disorder resulting in the inflammation of joints, Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease wherein patients could be suffering with the disease for a considerably longer period without actually exhibiting any symptoms. The disease becomes progressively worse causing significant damage to joints and eventual loss of functionality. Swelling, pain and stiffness and redness of the joints, tendons and ligaments are common signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

The chronic inflammation of the joints often leads to the damage of the cartilage, bone, and ligaments around the joints leading to their deformity. Although, there are no specific causes attributed to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis, there is an increasing view that the disease could be genetically inherited. Some experts also attribute the disease to infections and hormonal changes in the body. Irrespective of the cause, it is well established that the immune system of the body that is designed to protect it from outside agents begins to mistakenly attack the healthy tissues causing their degeneration.

Affecting females more than males, the onset of the disease is often observed in middle aged people starting at approximately 40 years. Rheumatoid Arthritis is known to affect joint on both sides of the body in equal measure with the joints in wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles seen as more susceptible.

Often beginning as minor and regular pain or stiffness of the joints, it is also exhibited in the form of constant fatigue. Joints begin to feel warmer more tender and rather stiff when idle for longer duration. Corresponding joints on either side of the body begin to experience pain in equal measure and with passage of time they begin to lose their ability to move and attain visible deformity.

Uneasiness in breathing and chest pain; dryness of mouth and eyes; burning sensation of eyes alongside itching and liquid discharge; a sense of numbness, tingling, or burning in the hands and feet; and difficulty in sleeping are some of the other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The growing severity of the disease can be gauged by the presence of nodules under the skin.

Although, there are no plausible preventive measures to arrest the onset of the disease, early detection certainly helps mitigate further damage to the joint and stop loss of mobility and functionality. Once detected, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is a lifetime endeavor including medication, physiotherapy, strengthening exercises and in extreme cases even a possible surgical intervention.

Surgical treatment is required in case of severe damage to joints and/or nearby ligaments, cartilages and tendons. The procedures seek to remove the joint lining or a total joint replacement in extreme cases. Some of the common joint replacement injuries include - total knee replacement, hip replacement, ankle replacement, shoulder replacement, beside others.