Rheumatoid,Arthritis,Common,Ch health Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Common Characteristics of Rheumatoid ArthritisNo one knows exactly why rheumatoid arthritis occurs or how toprevent it. However, the disease is most likely to occur in geneticallysusceptible people when some factor disturbs their immune system. Anincreasing number of researchers believe that this factor may be avirus, with particular emphasis focused on the Epstein-Barr virus, aherpes-like organism that is commonly associated with infectiousmononucleosis. Thus, while osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear diseaseessentially restricted to the weight-bearing joints, rheumatoidarthritis is best described as an autoimmune disease, which means thebody attacks its own tissues. The result is not only stiffness and painin specific areas, but general malaise and fatigue as well as fever andweight loss. Classic Rheumatoid ArthritisWhile there may be differences of opinion about what triggers the onsetof rheumatoid arthritis (some specialists think it begins as part ofanother severe illness; some associate it with unusual emotionalstress; still others point to infectious agents), there is generalagreement about what happens once the autoimmune system goes awry.Joints are normally lubricated by a secretion from the membranethat forms their lining. This lining is called the synovial membrane.In rheumatoid arthritis, synovial tissue becomes inflamed, leading toan abnormally rapid proliferation of the synovial cells, crowding theirway into the joint itself. The inflamed synovial tissue eventually eatsinto the cartilage and may even begin to erode the bone.The disease typically affects the joints of the hands and feet,often on both sides, but it may also be situated in the elbows,shoulders or hips. Damage may extend into related ligaments andtendons, causing nearby muscles to go into painful spasms as they beginto waste away through disuse. If the disease progresses untreated andthe tissue damage is unchecked, the affected joints may becomemisshapen and lose function.Symptoms of Rheumatoid ArthritisIn its early stages, the affected joints become swollen and red,increasingly painful and abnormally warm. In some cases, the jointsymptoms are accompanied by general malaise, fever and loss ofappetite. Joint stiffness is more likely to develop when the body is atrest, diminishing very gradually as muscles are reactivated. A doctoris usually consulted when pain interferes with sleep, or when stiffnessand swelling prevent normal function or when self-treatment withaspirin proves ineffective. Treatment of Rheumatoid ArthritisAlthough there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, most cases can bemanaged through treatment aimed at relieving symptoms and preservingjoint function. Indeed, prompt treatment is critical in halting theirreversible tissue damage that may result from neglect. Becausetherapy may combine different regimens and particular kinds of drugs,professional supervision and the cooperation of the patient areessential elements in controlling the disease.A number of treatments are available, and the regimen for aparticular patient must be tailored to his or her individual needs. Ananti-inflammatory drug, which may be large doses of aspirin or one ofthe newer non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, is usually prescribedto ease pain and control the inflammation. In cases where the jointshave been severely damaged, other drugs, such as gold salts, may beprescribed to stop the destruction of the cartilage and synovialmembrane caused by advanced inflammatory disease. Injections ofsteroids directly into the joints also may be recommended forshort-term treatment of the inflammation In some patients, combinationsof therapies may be needed; but in any instance, close supervision oftreatment by a doctor is usually required to minimize effects of thedisease. A common-sense approach to living with the disease is also an importantfactor in controlling rheumatoid arthritis. This may call for anadjustment of daily routines to include naps and rest periods duringthe day. Physiotherapy usually includes special exercises to retainjoint function and application of hot compresses. Splinting of affectedjoints, particularly the fingers, may also be considered advisable.Where weight loss has contributed to general debility, a special dietmay be initiated. Only in the most advanced and immobilizing cases isorthopedic surgery considered for the replacement of diseased joints. Importance of AttitudeAttitude is a very important element in the overall treatment ofrheumatoid arthritis. Many people fear the potentially cripplingeffects of the disease, and retreat from normal activities. Others tryto ignore the condition and carry on as usual, despite pain and othersymptoms. Both approaches can lead to unnecessary exacerbation of thedisease. Most people experience long periods of remission, during whichthey have few or no symptoms. But flare-ups may occur without warning.A cooperative, positive attitude helps one cope with the unpredictablenature of the disease.Very few people become so severely affected that they cannotcarry on normal activities. Renoir continued to paint magnificentpictures despite severe rheumatoid arthritis, and there are any numberof other inspiring examples of people who have lived long, rich,productive lives despite the disease. There are a number of aids,ranging from special eating utensils and button-hooks to raised toiletseats and electric stair chairs, which make performing routine dailytasks easier.Summing UpWhile rheumatoid arthritis is more severe than osteoarthritis,it is considerably rarer and usually can be successfully controlledwhen symptoms are brought to the doctor's attention promptly. It maytake some time and patience to arrive at the right medication in theproper dosage, but the combination of drugs, exercise, rest and goodnutrition can usually reduce symptoms to the point where they do notinterfere with most normal activities. Article Tags: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Affected Joints, Normal Activities