Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
Affecting over two and a half million citizens in the United States, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is certainly a well known disorder. The inflammatory disease is characterized by certain symptoms; however it has no distinct cause as of today. Treatments are introduced in an attempt to impact the progressive nature of the disorder.
The process in which rheumatoid arthritis occurs can be described, but the reason that this process begins is unknown. In simple terms, rheumatoid arthritis is initiated when the body recognizes healthy tissues as foreign invaders and, as a result, attacks them. Therefore, the body responds by creating inflammation, which destroys the affected joints and may damage organs and blood vessels as well.
As an autoimmune disorder that targets the smaller joints in both hands and feet, rheumatoid arthritis can also create a response in other joints of the body. The onset can be discovered in both males and females of any age. Furthermore, the disease may range anywhere from mild to severe, depending on the case.
The most prominent signs of rheumatoid arthritis are visible in the joints. Whether it is inflammation, pain, tenderness or swelling, this certain response is intended for the joints. As previously mentioned, this disease can affect knees, feet, fingers, wrists and ankles, or a combination of the joints. In addition, joint stiffness that lasts a prolonged time is characteristic.
More specifically, the joints that first become involved tend to be those in the wrists, hands, feet and ankles. As time goes on, the disease will begin to harm other areas, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, neck, knees and jaw. Of course, not every person will see such drastic changes and not all of these joints will display such symptoms, but normally these are the most frequently observed.
Interestingly, the joints become affected in a symmetrical pattern. Therefore, if the right hip becomes infected so does the left. Also, patients will experience spurts of flare-ups, or periods of increased disease activity, while other times the symptoms of pain will simply fade and present a lower severity for a period of time.
Beyond the common indicators, red and puffy hands can be another sign of the disorder. In terms of general health, there could be more warning signs. These include feeling fatigued, meaning both mental and physical exhaustion, weight loss and/or obtaining a fever.
When a person exhibits these symptoms and has persistent swelling and discomfort among the joints in their body, they should take the time to see a doctor. Once a thorough physical exam is taken, as well as a full family history is recorded, a doctor can take the next step in treatment options. Treatments can range from medications to surgery, depending on the severity of the patient’s symptoms.
Unfortunately, no cure has been discovered for this particular disorder. With this knowledge, doctors set out to treat the symptoms and reduce the pain and discomfort in order to help the patients live better. The best option would be to consult a physician and take action towards reducing the pain and severity of the symptoms. You could also try some of our natural remedies for arthritis.