Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is an autoimmune disorder affecting the joints of the hands and feet. RA occurs when the body’s defence system attacks its own tissues. The attack results in swollen, painfu.....
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is an autoimmune disorder affecting the joints of the hands and feet. RA occurs when the body’s defence system attacks its own tissues. The attack results in swollen, painful joints with a stiffness that worsens after rest or sleep. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects joint lining which causes swelling and pain, and leads to bone erosion and joint deformities, over a period of time. There is no definite cure for the disease, however new types of medications have definitely improved the chances of getting treated. Physical therapy and medications help to slow down the severity of the disease.
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The combination of early diagnosis and antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) bring relief and restore the quality of life.
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To keep a check on the effectiveness of medications, regular check-ups and follow-up with the physician are recommended.
The common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Fatigue and tiredness.
- Joint pain, tenderness, and swelling.
- Redness and warmth in the joint areas.
- Joint stiffness which worsens after a period of rest.
- Deformity and shifting in joints or bones.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the following things:
- Immune system disorder.
- Genetics.
Factors that may increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
- Age: Commonly begins between the age of 40 - 60.
- Family history.
- Smoking.
- Environmental exposures.
- Obesity.
To prevent the occurrence of this disease, these are certain things one should take care of:
- Quitting smoking.
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle.
- Exercising regularly.
- Limiting exposure to environmental pollutants.
