This week we are going to investigate the causes and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, a common condition of the joints which causes pain and aching, stiffness, tenderness as well as less known symptoms such as weight loss, fever, fatigue and weakness. In severe cases, the body’s organs can be attacked.
The Centres for Disease Control states that rheumatoid arthritis is an auto immune inflammatory disease meaning that the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake causing inflammation in the affected parts of the body. RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at one. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists and knees. The tissue damage can cause long lasting or chronic pain, unsteadiness and deformity of the limb. In more severe cases rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the lungs, heart and eyes.
Rheumatoid arthritis can begin at any age but the likelihood increases with age. The onset of new cases of rheumatoid arthritis are typically 2-3 times higher in women than men and people born with specific genes are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. The human leukocyte antigen class II genotypes can affect the arthritis making it worse and the risk of RA may be highest in patient with these genes exposed to environmental factors like smoking or when the person is obese.
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by reviewing a patient’s symptoms, conducting a physical examination and doing x-rays and lab tests. It is best to diagnose RA early so that people with the disease can begin treatment to slow or stop the disease progression such as damage to the joints. A physician should always be consulted when rheumatoid arthritis is suspected and whenever possible, a rheumatologist or specialist in the treatment of autoimmune conditions should be consulted.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis can suffer premature heart disease, obesity and can struggle maintaining employment. Additionally, physical therapists are good people to know when rheumatoid arthritis is affecting your life as some of the most important treatments for RA include getting physically active in walking, swimming or biking, attending affected physical activity programs, joining self-management education program, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight. The National Arthritis Association is a good resource to consult when dealing with rheumatoid arthritis as well as this agency is dedicated to the treatment of arthritis of all types and rheumatoid arthritis being one of the major types battled by many patients.
As you can see, the CDC recommends activity and exercise for patients with rheumatoid arthritis as the movement seems to help both the immune system and the joints themselves and minimizes the affects the autoimmune condition can cause.
https://www.southplattesentinel.com/2019/06/04/rheumatoid-arthritis-a-painful-condition/
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