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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis comes in many different forms and types. One of the worst is rheumatoid arthritis or RA, which typically presents at an older age.

Background of the Disease

Arthritis is a type of inflammatory disorder that attacks the joints of the body, causing pain and swelling. There are many different types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, septic arthritis and gout. The condition is unique in that it can go into remission for long periods of time, only to come out worse than it was before. It’s often exacerbated by cold or humid conditions and situations where the sufferer puts intense pressure on their joints through physical activity. Rheumatoid arthritis starts at any time and in any sex. Women have a higher risk factor than men for developing it and it usually presents by age 50.

Before making a diagnosis, a doctor asks his patient different questions that relate to their history. They ask about their job and how they changed their life because of the condition. They also ask about the complications and the effects of the disease on their regular life. In addition, the doctor focuses on what the patient does that makes the pain worse.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis : provides a broad overview on the condition.
  • RA at eMedicine : gives background information on the disease.
  • NIAMS : offers a look at conditions and other things relating to the disease.


Effects on a Joint

The joint itself is composed of a fibrocartilage disc surrounded by the articular cartilage. On top of that is the ligaments and tendons. The arthritis causes the joints to swell and feel stiff or painful. They also develop nodules on their skin where the tissue swells and hardens. These nodules typically become larger and more painful without treatment.


Systemic Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The problem with the condition is that some think it’s a problem that only attacks one part of the body. They have trouble with their hands or fingers and assume that once that pain lessens, they’re fine. In actuality though there are a number of other problems associated with the disease including the skin nodules or rheumatoid nodules. There’s also something known as dry eye, which causes painful lesions in the eyes.

Sufferers also run the risk of developing lung disease as fibrosis of the lungs set in. Anemia is another possible risk, which attacks red blood cells. The enlargement of the spleen known as splenomegaly is also possible. In addition they run the risk of developing pericarditis and lymphadenopathy.


Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Currently there are no known cures for the condition. However doctors have found that using anti-rheumatic medications can slow down its effects. Doctors also use cortisone therapy, which involves taking cortisone shots or using cortisone cream on the affected areas at least once a day. Sufferers can alleviate their symptoms as well by taking over the counter pain medications or seeking out chiropractor professionals who specialize in this area.


The disease strikes a large number of people every year, but less than 1% of all people living in the United States. Those with the condition and those with loved ones recently diagnosed should focus on these resources as a way of understanding what they’re going through.