Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune disorder of joints which causes pain and inflammation of joints and other tissues in the body. This disease can affect the joints of wrists, knees, feet, hands, elbows, ankles, hips, shoulders and jaw. Being a systemic disorder, rheumatoid arthritis may involve other organs and systems in the body such as skin, heart, lungs, digestive tract, kidneys, blood vessels, blood, eyes and nervous system. An overactive immune system is the main cause of this disease. Other possible causes are hormones, genetic factors, environmental factors and bacterial or viral infections. According recent studies, a person addicted for smoking tobacco is at the higher risk of developing this disease.

This disease generally affects in symmetrical pattern in which 2-3 different joints are simultaneously affected. Stiffness, inflammation, pain and swelling of the joints are the most prominent symptoms of this disease. If you experience joints stiffness in the morning which improves after activity, then it may indicate rheumatoid arthritis. Prolonged morning stiffness is an important clue for diagnosis of this disorder. The area around the damaged joint is puffy and swollen. You may notice hard bumps which appear near or on the joints especially near the elbows.

As the disease progresses, there may be limitation in the mobility of joints due to damage. You may experience some other symptoms such as malaise, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, fever, muscle pain and weakness or loss of energy. If you experience these signs and symptoms and you have family history of rheumatoid arthritis, you should consult your doctor. The doctor will prescribe some laboratory and imaging tests for accurate diagnosis of this disease and decide the treatment plan.

If you come to know that your diagnosis is rheumatoid arthritis, then you should develop coping skills. This disease can affect daily activities due to pain and limitation in mobility of joints. However, you can adopt some changes in your life-style, take help of exercises and manage the symptoms. Consult your doctor to make a plan for the management of arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause muscle weakness and fatigue. Hence, when you feel tired, have enough rest. Appropriate exercise such as strengthening, stretching and relaxation exercises can help to maintain muscle strength and joint function, improve sleep patterns, maintain healthy weight and reduce pain. Use of assistive devices such as walkers may be helpful to manage the symptoms. Protect your joints from any kind of injury and avoid the activities that can out stress on your joints.

Keep your family aware of your arthritis pain and symptoms. Also consult other people having rheumatoid arthritis and try to learn management techniques. Contact the Arthritis Foundation to know more about this disease. Limitation in mobility can give rise to frustration and mental depressions. Hence, keep aside some time for yourself and listen to music or go for a walk. It will help you to relieve stress and offer mental peace.