Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis-Joint Stiffness, Nodules, etc…
In Rheumatoid Arthritis, symptoms often develop slowly over a period of weeks or months. It is one of the most common causes of disability. Twice as many women are affected with symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis as men. Symptoms usually develop between 30 and 50 years. This disease is not restricted to the joints; it can also affect other parts of the body. Additional symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include occasional fevers and fatigue. Later stages and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may cause deformation of the joints. This disease is not curable; however, an individual can go into remission. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary among individuals with the disease.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Swelling of joints, causing pain and tenderness, affecting symmetrical joints such as the knees, ankles, wrists, feet, hip, etc.
- Joint stiffness due to inactivity for a long period of time, usually occurring after a long nap or sitting for an extended period of time.
- Formation of bumps or nodules that range from the size of a pea to mothballs. These develop in nearly one-third of people who have rheumatoid arthritis. The nodules usually form over pressure points such as the knuckles, elbows, spine, etc.
- Occasional Fever, Fatigue, and an overall sense of not feeling well.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an Immune Deficiency Syndrome/Autoimmune reaction where antibodies develop against components of joint tissue and begin to attack the joints within the person's own body. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the entire body and usually involves several synovial joints, typically in a symmetrical fashion (i.e. both feet, knees, ankles). Overtime, the cartilage that cushions joints wears down and bones start rubbing against each other. X-rays usually show soft tissue swelling, erosion of cartilage, and narrowing of the space between joints.
It is difficult to predict how quickly symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis may progress; however, early treatment can significantly control the course of this disease. Scientists are monitoring the immune system. Several factors may contribute to this condition; it has been associated to a certain gene with a tendency to develop of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
When getting tested for Rheumatoid arthritis, expect to have an arthritis panel done. Your physician will assess the swelling and ask you to demonstrate how well you can move your joints. He/She may also take X-rays along with a blood and urine tests. In some cases a sample of fluid is taken from the joints for further testing. Since there is no cure for Rheumatoid arthritis, the goal of therapy is to decrease the symptoms, like inflammation, and preserve the joint function. Individuals suffering from this disease must maintain a specific diet, avoiding foods that could aggravate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Many choose alternative therapies, which include meditation and relaxation, exercise, acupuncture, and natural supplements, such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist about starting a diet and exercise regiment.
Try Växa's Arthritin, a homeopathic medicinal that offers a natural alternative for arthritis without the long-term use and subsequent dangers of NSAID's (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) such as common aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and others. Arthritin is a specially blended advanced homeopathic medicinal which has been designed to complement the body's natural ability to provide fast, safe, and effective comfort for the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, as well as, subsequently reduce the "burning" of target joint areas and increase mobility.
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