Rheumatoid Arthritis - Explained In Simple Terms

The doctor informs you that you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and you are devastated by the news. Yes, this could be indeed some very bad news, but it could always be worse. Understanding this disease is one way that you could come to terms with it, know what to expect when and work out a plan of action to control it in the best manner you can.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

This is a disease that affects about one percent of USA's population and the statistics show that this figure is growing fast. The exact reason for rheumatoid arthritis is not yet identified; but it well known that when this happens, the body's immune system all of a sudden turns against itself - articularly the tissues found at the joints. This is why the symptoms of this disease include extreme pain at the joints (usually in pairs, for example - both elbows, both knees, etc). It is believed that genetics also play a very important role here.

The diagnosis is done by identifying the rheumatoid factor which is actually an antibody that indicates the presence of this dreadful disease. The presence of this antibody (in the blood) as well as the typical symptoms such as pain, inflammation and movement limitation can confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray of the affected joints can further confirm the presence of the disease.

It is important to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible so that you can have it treated since it progresses fast and it attacks not only the joints but also the more vital organs in the body - such as (the lining of) the heart, lungs and kidneys. The other places where this disease can strike are the tear ducts and the salivary glands. The average age when this disease attacks can be anything from early 20s to late 50s; once you get it, it is very hard if not impossible to get rid of it.

However, you can still make the best of it with proper medication, exercise and alternative medication that could open for you new ways to live your life to the full even if you are suffering from a disease such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Beware that rheumatoid arthritis has no immediate cure and you might have to live with this disease until death. However, this is should not scare you too much. If you take care that you have the right rheumatoid arthritis medication, the right type of life, you could still be in charge of your life and not let a stroke of bad luck go against your capability to enjoy other blessings that have been showered upon you.