Is a rheumatoid arthritis symptom a cause for serious concern? The answer is a definite yes. Other forms of arthritis are equally worrisome. Like them, rheumatoid arthritis can be painful and debilitating and may even cause you depression. The disease affects the joint linings but other symptoms may affect the rest of the body. You should find out through your symptoms if you have this condition.
Symptoms
The most obvious symptoms of the condition affect the joints. The joints ca n swell, become stiff and are painful and tender to the touch. Affected joints include fingers, elbows, knees, ankles, hips, neck, jaw, hands and shoulders. The smaller joints are apparently affected first before the bigger ones. Joint swelling happens to the same joints on both sides of the body.
Aside from swollen joints, you could also suffer from a number of other symptoms. Bumps known as nodes may appear in some parts of the body. Flu-like symptoms are also common. One may experience fever and general fatigue. Sufferers also lose their appetite which may lead to weight loss.
Each particular rheumatoid arthritis symptom develops slowly. Symptoms may also come and disappear. When one suffers from symptoms, this is typically known as a flare up episode. The symptoms may then subside only to reappear again at another time. When the symptoms are present, movement becomes painful. Thorough damage of the joints can be permanently disabling.
Reasons Behind Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is no final word on the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. It is possible that the condition runs in the family and that you are naturally predisposed to it. Certain life habits such as cigarette smoking may also make the condition worse. Like other autoimmune diseases, this one results from the action of the immune system. For some unexplained reason, white blood cells have a negative effect on the lining of the joints. You are at particular risk of developing the disease if you are female and within the 40-60 age bracket.
Treatment
There is no current absolute cure for the condition. Patients however still need some kind of treatment. Solutions typically focus on minimizing the incidence of symptoms, reducing pain and stopping disability. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis could be prescribed with NSAIDs, steroids or some other form of major medication. Depending on your doctor's judgment you may or may not have to undergo surgical procedures.
Aside from medical treatment, one may also be advised to change some habits. A healthy diet is often a must. This is usually paired with regular exercise. You may have to ask your doctor though for specific food and exercises that you may safely eat and use. Smoking, drinking and too much stress are to be avoided. In other words, the best way to personally deal with the condition is to live a clean, healthy and calm life.
Your rheumatoid arthritis symptom may be truly bothersome. For some, the idea that symptoms can lead to disability may be scary. There is no reason to believe though that life has to stop because of the disease. You can still live a happy and normal life is you take your medication as indicated and keep to a clean lifestyle. - 15683
Symptoms
The most obvious symptoms of the condition affect the joints. The joints ca n swell, become stiff and are painful and tender to the touch. Affected joints include fingers, elbows, knees, ankles, hips, neck, jaw, hands and shoulders. The smaller joints are apparently affected first before the bigger ones. Joint swelling happens to the same joints on both sides of the body.
Aside from swollen joints, you could also suffer from a number of other symptoms. Bumps known as nodes may appear in some parts of the body. Flu-like symptoms are also common. One may experience fever and general fatigue. Sufferers also lose their appetite which may lead to weight loss.
Each particular rheumatoid arthritis symptom develops slowly. Symptoms may also come and disappear. When one suffers from symptoms, this is typically known as a flare up episode. The symptoms may then subside only to reappear again at another time. When the symptoms are present, movement becomes painful. Thorough damage of the joints can be permanently disabling.
Reasons Behind Rheumatoid Arthritis
There is no final word on the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. It is possible that the condition runs in the family and that you are naturally predisposed to it. Certain life habits such as cigarette smoking may also make the condition worse. Like other autoimmune diseases, this one results from the action of the immune system. For some unexplained reason, white blood cells have a negative effect on the lining of the joints. You are at particular risk of developing the disease if you are female and within the 40-60 age bracket.
Treatment
There is no current absolute cure for the condition. Patients however still need some kind of treatment. Solutions typically focus on minimizing the incidence of symptoms, reducing pain and stopping disability. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis could be prescribed with NSAIDs, steroids or some other form of major medication. Depending on your doctor's judgment you may or may not have to undergo surgical procedures.
Aside from medical treatment, one may also be advised to change some habits. A healthy diet is often a must. This is usually paired with regular exercise. You may have to ask your doctor though for specific food and exercises that you may safely eat and use. Smoking, drinking and too much stress are to be avoided. In other words, the best way to personally deal with the condition is to live a clean, healthy and calm life.
Your rheumatoid arthritis symptom may be truly bothersome. For some, the idea that symptoms can lead to disability may be scary. There is no reason to believe though that life has to stop because of the disease. You can still live a happy and normal life is you take your medication as indicated and keep to a clean lifestyle. - 15683
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