Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments

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The cause is unknown for the auto-immune disease characterized by the chronic inflammation of the joints and other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis can strike anyone at any age, delivering waves of disease flare-ups, followed by periods of remission. Rheumatoid arthritis can strike numerous joints at once that over time can cause permanent deterioration and deformity. There is no cure for these symptoms, which can increase in severity, but with proper self-care and medication, the disease can be somewhat managed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are characterized by lack of energy, loss of appetite, low-grade fever and stiffness, as well as aching throughout the muscles and joints. Stiffness often comes when a patient first wakes up in the morning, as well as after the disease has been inactive. During flare-ups of the disease, arthritis may run rampant. This can be seen when the joints become swollen, painful and tender to the touch, as well as red. This is often caused by a buildup and thickening of joint fluid during inflammation.

Common body parts affected by rheumatoid arthritis include the small joints of the hands, wrists and feet. If the left side of your hand joints are inflamed, the right side will follow suit. This is because the disease often follows a symmetrical pattern, which means both sides of the body will be affected. These flare-ups can be so debilitating that the simplest thing like opening a door will cause extreme pain. Joint deformity is a symptom of the disease that is caused by repeated bouts of inflammation. These bouts cause the loss in cartilage, weak bones and muscles that leads to further destruction.

Rheumatoid arthritis is also responsible for causing the drying out of eye and mouth glands, chest pains, a reduction in red blood cells and enlarging of the spleen, as well as increased risk of infection.

Treatments

Since there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early detection is important when it comes to taking advantage of all available treatments. Although medical professionals provide various medications and possible surgery, there is a wide range of responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of patients. This includes increasing their knowledge about rheumatoid arthritis, as well as practicing good joint protection. Rest and proper exercise will also ease the symptoms of the disease.

Early treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is important for the prevention of a worse state of affairs. Years ago, a large number of rheumatoid arthritis patients were disabled within the first two to three years of the disease. It is a known fact that some people are more susceptible than others to the joint damage and disability associated with the disease. For this reason, not all patients require an aggressive treatment.

Medical Professionals: Common Treatments

For the most part, there are two main focuses pertaining to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Reducing the inflammation and relieving the symptoms (namely the pain) top the list for doctors and patients. Doctors will most likely prescribe a medication, as well as suggest a variety of things a patient can concentrate on while at home. For more severe cases, surgery is elected, such as total joint replacement.

When patients exhibit a low potential for joint damage, drugs such as Polaquenil, Azulfidine and Minocin may be prescribed. These selections present the lowest number of side effects. When the rheumatoid arthritis is moderate to severe, drugs like Trexakk, Arava, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade and Rheumatrex may be prescribed. Stronger, newer drugs, such as Orencia and Rituxan are given to patients who do not respond well to the above drugs.

Self Care: What Patients Can Do

The first line of defense against any disease is equipping yourself with the weapon of knowledge. Learning all there is to know about your condition will better assist you in the treatment and understanding of the changes your body will experience. Reliable resources to draw from include health professionals, the Internet, books, as well as conversations with those already battling the disease. Make sure to look into all possible treatments, including their side effects. Knowing the ups and downs of a disease will help you to prepare for the unknown. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms as they correspond to your own body. If your joints ache for more than one hour after activity, you probably should limit this option to avoid future pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis also demands a certain level of physical activity. This will help to decrease the amount of pain you experience from the disease. Water aerobics, as well as other strengthening or cardio exercises are suggested. Protection of the joints is highly recommended. This can be accomplished through avoiding activities and positions that cause stress to the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients often pace themselves throughout the day, meaning they alternate how much rest and movement their body receives. Try to keep joints moving and avoid staying in the same position for a long time as stiffness may develop. Taking a healthier approach towards your lifestyle will also ease the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. This includes losing weight and not smoking, as well as eating a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, protein, low-fat dairy, vitamin C and calcium.

All of these self-care measures can ease the symptoms and make living with rheumatoid arthritis a much easier task.

Author, Strive Mazunga, contributes articles on Rheumatoid Arthritis for Rheumatoid Arthritis Online For more information on his Rheumatoid Arthritis, visit http://www.rheumatoid-arthritis-online.com