What is Rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe disease that can affect all ages and classes of people. It is a condition in which an individual feels chronic inflammation in the joints. It affects various joints of the body but not in a symmetrical pattern all the time. Apart from the joints, the disease may cause inflammation and injury in additional organs in the body like inflammation of cells covers the area around the joints.
Causes–
According to the doctors, there is no certain reason behind rheumatoid arthritis. However, most of the doctors believe that a blend of genetic and environmental factors can be responsible for this disease. Basically, this situation takes place when immune system of the body attacks on tissues unintentionally. Antibodies of the blood aim at body tissues in this disease. It influences various parts of the body that is why doctors consider it as a systemic illness. Inflammation thickens the synovium and attacks cartilage along with bone within the joint. The joints lose their shape and association in this severe disease. Rheumatoid arthritis stretches the joints and makes them weak. According to the medical studies, some environmental factors such as infection from viruses and bacteria are also responsible for Rheumatoid arthritis.
Symptoms-
Generally, Rheumatoid arthritis affects joints of the body. Fingers, wrists, knees, ankles, feet and other joints are affected by RA. It begins gradually and at both sides of the joints. It starts with slight pain, stiffness, and exhaustion. In the starting of RA, mostly individuals feel stiffness which ends itself within one hour approximately. Warmness and tenderness are the main symptoms of this disease.
People feel minor pain in both the sides of body in same joints where they feel stiffness. Eventually, the joints even drop their limit of motion and movement. Apart from these major signs, people also feel chest pain during breathing. Dryness in mouth and eyes are also experienced by many. Additionally, itching in the eyes and nodules under the skin are some other signs and symptoms of getting RA. Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause lack of sensation, itchiness and burning felt in the hands and feet. Difficulty in sleep is also found in most of the patients.
Treatment–
In order to get rid of from all symptoms and cure damaged joints, one needs long and effective treatment. The duration and methods of treatment can be varied from one person to another. It depends of the particular conditions and stages of Rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, treatment of RA involves various medications, therapies, counseling, exercise and proper bed rest. There are many non-pharmacologic therapies available for those who have Rheumatoid arthritis.
Physical and occupational therapy are preferred by the doctors to reduce pain, stiffness and inflammation. These therapies protect joint structure and function. Finger splinting, passive and active exercises and many more techniques are used to treat Rheumatoid arthritis. Healthy diet and proper rest also play a great role to improve RA condition.
To get back quality life, one should follow all the right treatment and say goodbye to Rheumatoid arthritis.