Rheumatoid Arthritis

Living with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the more common autoimmune diseases, in which the body attacks itself. Unlike ordinary arthritis, which is caused by age and wear and tear on joints, rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the body’s immune system attacking the joints and causing inflammation and pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

One symptom that hints at rheumatoid arthritis rather than ordinary arthritis is that symptoms will occur on both side of the body. When you get arthritis in a joint, it’s because that joint is damaged in some way. This is most common because the joint is worn down from use. This won’t happen equally on both sides of the body in most cases, because people use their limbs differently.

Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease instead of a disease of age, it’s the body’s immune system causing the problem. Thus, symptoms will be similar and symmetrical. When swelling, pain and redness occur on both sides of the body, such as in both knees or in both wrists, it’s most likely a rheumatoid arthritis early symptom.

Stiffness and fatigue may also occur. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is marked by the fact that children will rarely get ordinary arthritis caused by wear and tear on joints, but can develop an autoimmune disease just as easily as an adult. A person can be in otherwise good health and develop this disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Lots of rest, good nutrition and exercise are important in treating this disease. Working hard at maintaining overall health and fitness as much as possible can help relieve the symptoms and even slow the body’s immune response.

Rheumatoid arthritis medication is the first step to treating this painful and potentially disabling disease. Most rheumatoid arthritis treatment strategies aim to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Some also contain elements aimed at keeping the disease from progressing. Medications can include pills like ibuprofen or other pain relievers. In serious cases, narcotic pain relievers and certain types of steroids may also be prescribed. Drugs designed to suppress the immune system can also be effective.

In progressed cases, surgery might become necessary to repair joints that have been damaged by the swelling caused by rheumatoid arthritis.