Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term and autoimmune disease. It is serious inflammatory disease which affects whole body. It occurs when immune system mistakenly attacks on tissue of body. It mainly affects the hands and feet. It occurs in any joint. It may involve the same joint on both sides of the body. It is a systemic disease that affects the whole body.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Pain and swelling
- Joint deformity
- Feeling unwell
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Loss of mobility
- Morning sickness
Symptoms incline come and go. When the disease is grow in the body then symptoms may spread across the wrists, knees, ankles and elbows. 40% of people also feel the symptoms which didn’t involve the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis also involve non-joint symptoms such as
- Skin
- Eyes
- Lungs
- Kidney
- Blood vessels
The signs and symptoms may vary from person to person. It may even come and go.
Causes of Rheumatoid arthritis
The cause of malfunctioning of immune system can’t be identified. Some people have genetic factor that cause them rheumatoid arthritis.
In RA, the antibodies of immune system attack the synovium that is the smooth line of a joint. It results in pain and inflammation. Inflammation caused the synovium to thicken.
The tendons and ligaments which immure the joint together may also get weaken and stretch. The joint sometimes depletes their shape and configuration.
Diagnosis
It may be tough for doctor to diagnose in early stage. However, if it diagnose in early stage then it may slow down the progression of disease.
Doctors will see at the patient’s clinical signs of inflammation. They ask from person that how long they have been there and how critical the symptoms are. Doctor will carry out a physical examination to detect for any swelling, functional limitations and deformity.
They recommend blood test to diagnose RA. Some blood tests are Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR & sed rate), C-reactive protein (CRP), Anemia and Rheumatoid factor.
Treatment
When a person has positive report of Rheumatoid arthritis then doctor advised them to a specialist known as Rheumatologist. The specialist will advise on treatment.
There is no cure for RA but some treatment helps to reduce the progress. Treatment may help to:-
- Reduce inflammation
- Reduce pain
- Lessen the loss of function
- Prevent damage to the joints
Treatment options include medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy and surgery.
Home remedies
Rheumatoid arthritis also prevent with home remedies.
- Take more rest
- Do exercise regular to boost health and strengthen the muscles
- Take a healthy diet. Includes fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet
- Take hot shower bath and apply heating pad to the joints
- Do meditation and deep breathing
- Relieve mental stress
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful and chronic disease. It may damage joints and make difficult for person to do their daily tasks.
Person feel pain and swelling in joints then consult with doctor because early treatment can prevent from risk of critical disease.
