Rheumatoid Arthritis – Causes, Management, Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis affects approximately 1 percent of the world’s population. It’s a chronic inflammatory illness, characterized by the inflammation of the tissue lining the inside of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is also an autoimmune disease, which implies that the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues in the same manner as foreign infectious matter. Rheumatoid arthritis inflammation most often damages the soft tissues of the joints, however, the membrane linings of the blood vessels, heart and lungs may also become inflamed.
The joints within the hands and feet are most often attacked by rheumatoid arthritis, but any joint membrane can be involved. Prescription drugs can manage the inflammation; if the inflammation is not controlled, malformation of the joints can occur as a result. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, lost function and permanent disability.
There are 3 phases of rheumatoid arthritis. The first stage begins with the swelling of the synovial lining, causing swelling, pain, redness, and stiffness surrounding the involved joints. The 2nd phase is the rapid growth and division of cells, or pannus, which leads to the thickening of the synovium. In the final phase, the inflamed cells produce enzymes that bone and cartilage may absorb causing the involved joint to produce more tenderness, deformity and loss of movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients endure cycles of severe and light symptoms. The following are symptoms and effects of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Joint swelling in the small joints of the extremities
- Joint tenderness, stiffness, and pain especially in the am
- Hardened lumps in joints
- Cartilage and bone destruction
Rheumatoid arthritis can have a serious effect on an individual’s quality of life, particularly if it isn’t detected and treated early. Getting the correct diagnosis early on is very important because it helps you start the correct treatment immediately thus providing you with the best chance to avoid permanent disability and deformity.
It is always highly recommended to talk to your physician about the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. With the proper diagnosis, you can begin management of the disease with the right medication. Doctors have several ways to treat this disease, the objectives of which is to take away pain, decrease inflammation, slow down or stop joint damage, and improve quality of life.
At this time, the precise reason for the disease is unknown, although there are many theories, like abnormal autoimmune response, genetic propensity, and some environmental factors. Scientists are well on their way to identifying the events that result in abnormal responses of the body’s immune system. And while there is no cure, controlling the disease through the use of new drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management approaches have been used by patients to have happier, healthier and more normal lives.
