Symptoms
of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Joint Stiffness and Nodules
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.
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 and therapy 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.
