• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease where the immune system attacks healthy joints and organs (eyes, lungs and heart), causing serious inflammation and even permanent damage, such as joint deformity.
     
  • Most common between the ages of 25 to 50, RA damage to the hands and feet can be seen on X-rays during the first two years of the disease. This, as one study found, was the fastest time for most damage to occur. Joint damage can even occur with the least of pain, with 75 per cent of all damage occurring in the first five years.
  • The easiest way to distinguish RA from other forms of arthritis is the pattern of the joints affected. RA affects the wrist and hand joints, but stays away from those joints closest to fingernails. It also moves in a symmetrical pattern, affecting other joints such as elbows, shoulders, jaw, ankles, knees, shoulders and hips.
     
  • Twenty per cent of cases involve the development of lumps called rheumatoid nodules created under the skin, usually over bones and sometimes inside internal organs. Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the heart or lungs can occur, or inflammation of the tissue of the lungs.
     
  • It’s rare, but possible, for RA inflammation to occur in blood vessels, affecting skin and nerves. It does, however, occur with tear and salivary glands, which causes dry eyes and mouths.
  • The cause of RA is still uncertain, but scientists do know it is not necessarily passed on from generation to generation. Scientists are trying to understand the reason the immune system starts attacking joints and are looking for medication to end joint swelling.
  • This disease can be gradual, or sudden with flu-like symptoms, but joint pain is the main cause of the problem.
     
  • Medication as simple as Advil or more complex, such as Relafen, can help reduce swelling and pain, while exercise lessens symptoms and can make a patient feel OK overall. Also, both heat and cold packs can help relax muscles and reduce pain.
  • Relaxing the muscles around the affected joints can also help patients feel less pain. Useful relaxation techniques include deep breathing exercises and listening to music or relaxation tapes.
  • Exercise can help manage RA pain.
  • In severe cases, surgery is an option to improve range of motion and lessen pain.
  • Not only do patients deal with physical pain, but mental depression and helplessness can occur.
     
  • Medication as simple as Advil or more complex, such as Relafen, can help reduce swelling and pain, while exercise lessens symptoms and can make a patient feel OK overall. Also, both heat and cold packs can help relax muscles and reduce pain.
  • Relaxing the muscles around the affected joints can also help patients feel less pain. Useful relaxation techniques include deep breathing exercises and listening to music or relaxation tapes.

 

       Source: The Arthritis Society