Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview

Rheumatoid Arthritis may be painful, but it does not have to mean an end to mobility. The causes are too widespread to pinpoint and the cure eludes us, but through treatment and coping options, you can still live a productive life and prevent some of the serious damage that can happen as a result. You may attend the Arthritis Foundation treatment seminars, pick up a tai chi class, undergo joint replacement therapy or take Advil to relieve the pain. The best approach is a combination of efforts to which you can adhere.

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: joint pain, joint swelling and joints that are tender to the touch. Whether you have red puffy hands, firm bumps of tissue beneath the skin on your arms, or morning stiffness that lasts at least thirty minutes, you may have some level of the disease. Often, sufferers feel tired, lose weight and sense changes in wrists, hands, ankles and feet at first. In later stages, the elbows, shoulders, knees, hips and the jaw and neck can also be affected. Signs and symptoms of pain may flare up and then alternate with periods of relative remission.

Doctors say there are some factors that may increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis. For instance, women are more likely than men to develop the disease. Most arthritis sufferers are between 40 and 60. While it's not a disease that you can directly inherit, there may be a predisposition throughout genealogy. Smoking cigarettes and eating too much red meat may also be contributing factors. If you have persistent discomfort and swelling in various joints on both sides of your body, then be sure to see your doctor.

There are many medications that treat rheumatoid arthritis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs/NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin and Aleve) can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation. Steroids/Corticosteroid medications (like prednisone and methylprednisolone) reduce swelling and pain, in addition to slowing joint damage. These are intended for short term use only. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs/DMARDs (like Plaquenil, Ridaura, Azulfidine, Dynacin and Rheumatrex) are used to limit joint damage over time.

Immuno-suppressants (like Arava, Imuran, Neoral and Cytoxan) are aimed at taming your immune system, which has been disrupted by the disease. TNF-alpha inhibitors (like Enbrel, Remicade or Humira) reduces morning stiffness and tender joints within 1-2 weeks, helping to prevent long term damage. Kineret, Rituximab or Orencia may be prescribed if other treatments fail, as these injected pain management drugs provide stronger medication for chronic pain sufferers, yet also pose greater risks of side effects. Your health care practitioner will assess your unique case and offer the best individualized solution for you.