Struggling with Rheumatoid Arthritis?

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is a chronic inflammatory disorder that joints causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and loss of function. Rheumatoid Arthritis has to potential to damage the joints of the body – since it is a systemic disease, the internal organs may also become affected, leading to disabilities.

The joint damage that may occur with RA is caused by inflammation of the joint lining tissue. Inflammation is a normal immune system response – however inn rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is misdirected to attack the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis will usually affect multiple joints, most commonly those of the hands and feet. However, as the disease progresses, it can spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, hips, and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body.

RA is an autoimmune disease that is often confused with other forms of arthritis such as osteoarthritis. Typical symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis include:

• Joint pain, tenderness, and swelling in more than one joint
• Joint stiffness (especially in the morning)
• Joint deformity
• Redness or inflammation
• Systemic symptoms such as myalgia, fatigue, fever, weight loss and depression

Risk factors of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Age 60 years or above
• Are female or have never given birth
• Genetic traits
• Obesity
• Tobacco usage

Although the exact cause remains relatively unknown, a physician can diagnose Rheumatoid Arthritis by conducting bloodwork findings, clinical evaluations and medical imaging such as x-rays. Once diagnosed, several different treatment options may be available such as DMARDS (Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs), which partially “turn-off” the body’s immune system. Pain medication may be recommended to help manage the discomfort and inflammation.

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Study is investigating how well an investigational treatment works for treating rheumatoid arthritis.