Do You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a very painful condition that unfortunately doesn’t have a known cure at this point. This results from the immune system attacking the body’s joints, causing inflammation and pain. In some cases, the immune system causes damage to organs as well. Experts do not know why the immune system malfunctions in this manner and don’t know how to stop the disease completely. However, in recent years tremendous progress has been made to limit the advancement of rheumatoid arthritis and managing the symptoms. Not only are adults affected, but children are as well which is referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms frequently start in smaller joints and work their way toward larger ones. Swelling and joint pain are common symptoms, as well as stiffness after sitting or lying down, and red hands. Additional symptoms could include a low grade fever, fatigue, and weight loss. If you are currently experiencing any of these symptoms, make it a priority to see a doctor as soon as you can to get properly diagnosed. Treatment is far more effective when rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed in the early stages.

Diagnoses

A number of tests are available to help in providing the correct diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The first is a blood test used to detect levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which indicates inflammation in the body. Also, another type of blood test is used to search the bloodstream for certain antibodies that may indicate the presence of rheumatoid arthritis.

However, some people with rheumatoid arthritis do not have these antibodies, so the test is not conclusive. If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, the doctor may also take a sample of joint fluid. X-rays may also be ordered to determine how much damage has been done to the joints.

Treatment Options

The treatment can start as soon as the official diagnoses has been made. The purpose of medications is to manage pain and delay the advancement of the arthritis. Many new medications for rheumatoid arthritis have come on the market in recent years, and some have proven quite effective in helping patients achieve a higher quality of life. If the joints get damaged too severely however, the patient may be encouraged to get surgery to regain use of a certain joint again. Rheumatoid arthritis therapy has also proven to be effective.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful disease that affects many children and adults. Since there is no rheumatoid arthritis cure, patients have to learn to live with it. Fortunately, a patient can live a high quality of life with the treatment advances that have come along recently.