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Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Early Warning Signs
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Published: March 22, 2007
Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1% of Americans, or about 2.1 million people, according to the Arthritis Foundation. The cause for rheumatoid arthritis is unknown and there is no cure, but with advancements in drug therapy people living with the disease are able to live better and healthier lives.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints in the body. This progressive disease has three stages that victims can experience. The first stage starts with swelling along the lining of the joints, which causes pain, warmth and redness. The swelling expands and increases as the disease progresses into the second stage. During the third stage, bone and cartilage are digested and the joint loses its shape, resulting in increased pain and loss of mobility in the joint.
Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include pain in any joint in the body. This type of arthritis is symmetrical, which means that it affects joints on both sides of the body. Most commonly beginning in smaller joints such as ankles, fingers, and wrists, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include stiffness, fatigue, muscle pain, and loss of appetite.
Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis should be checked by a doctor immediately because irreversible damage to the cartilage between joints can occur. The disease can hinder the mobility of sufferers depending on the pain level and the individual's pain tolerance. The swelling experienced in the first stage of the disease can cause a lot of the pain that hinders activities that involve the joints.
Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with over the counter drugs. There are two types of drugs commonly used to treat the disease: first-line drugs and second-line drugs. Aspirin and cortisone are fast-acting, over the counter, first-line drugs. These drugs are used to reduce pain and inflammation, and are commonly used for early rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Gold, methotrexate and hydroxycholorquine are doctor prescribed drugs. These drugs are considered slower-acting, second line drugs that promote disease remission and prevent ongoing joint destruction, but do not have any anti-inflammatory properties. There are many categories of drugs within these types, so those diagnosed with the disease should consult a rheumologist to receive the best care and information. A rheumologist will be able to prescribe medication that meets the needs of the individual's specific issues with the disease.
Breakthroughs and research are continually underway to improve the quality of life for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Biologic drugs, a class of second line drug, have given many hope. Biologic drugs work with the immune system to control symptoms. Though rheumatoid arthritis doesn't have a cure, medical breakthroughs have made it easier to live, work, play ,and maintain a lifestyle for those diagnosed with the disease.
Sources:
Arthritis Foundation. 19 Feb 2007. http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/diseasecenter/ RA/default.asp
Inside RA. 19 Feb 2007. http://www.insidera.com
"Rheumatoid Arthritis." Wikipedia. 2007. 19 Feb 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheumatoid_arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of the joints in the body. This progressive disease has three stages that victims can experience. The first stage starts with swelling along the lining of the joints, which causes pain, warmth and redness. The swelling expands and increases as the disease progresses into the second stage. During the third stage, bone and cartilage are digested and the joint loses its shape, resulting in increased pain and loss of mobility in the joint.
Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis include pain in any joint in the body. This type of arthritis is symmetrical, which means that it affects joints on both sides of the body. Most commonly beginning in smaller joints such as ankles, fingers, and wrists, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include stiffness, fatigue, muscle pain, and loss of appetite.
Early signs of rheumatoid arthritis should be checked by a doctor immediately because irreversible damage to the cartilage between joints can occur. The disease can hinder the mobility of sufferers depending on the pain level and the individual's pain tolerance. The swelling experienced in the first stage of the disease can cause a lot of the pain that hinders activities that involve the joints.
Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with over the counter drugs. There are two types of drugs commonly used to treat the disease: first-line drugs and second-line drugs. Aspirin and cortisone are fast-acting, over the counter, first-line drugs. These drugs are used to reduce pain and inflammation, and are commonly used for early rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
Gold, methotrexate and hydroxycholorquine are doctor prescribed drugs. These drugs are considered slower-acting, second line drugs that promote disease remission and prevent ongoing joint destruction, but do not have any anti-inflammatory properties. There are many categories of drugs within these types, so those diagnosed with the disease should consult a rheumologist to receive the best care and information. A rheumologist will be able to prescribe medication that meets the needs of the individual's specific issues with the disease.
Breakthroughs and research are continually underway to improve the quality of life for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Biologic drugs, a class of second line drug, have given many hope. Biologic drugs work with the immune system to control symptoms. Though rheumatoid arthritis doesn't have a cure, medical breakthroughs have made it easier to live, work, play ,and maintain a lifestyle for those diagnosed with the disease.
Sources:
Arthritis Foundation. 19 Feb 2007. http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/diseasecenter/ RA/default.asp
Inside RA. 19 Feb 2007. http://www.insidera.com
"Rheumatoid Arthritis." Wikipedia. 2007. 19 Feb 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rheumatoid_arthritis
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