Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of autoimmune disease that leads to chronic inflammation of the joints.



An autoimmune disease is one in which the body’s immune system attacks the healthy tissue present in the body. This attack leads to inflammation of the affected areas. However, the attack may soon spread to multiple organs of the body, leading to a progressive destruction of the joints and functional disability. In advanced cases it may lead to a destruction of the cartilage, bone and ligaments and lead to deformity of the joints. This form of arthritis affects more than two million people in the United States alone.

Why exactly the immune system starts destroying healthy tissue is as yet unknown. Medical research is being carried out all over the world to try and determine what causes this disease. The results indicate that microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi may cause this disease. It is also suspected that this condition is genetically inherited. Some even suspect that a major role is played by environmental factors.



It will probably take a couple of more years of research to draw any conclusive inferences.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis depend on the degree of tissue inflammation. The symptoms may even disappear for many years before manifesting themselves again. Typically this disease plagues its victims over many years with brief periods of remission. The most common symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue, lack of appetite, low grade fever, muscle, joint aches and stiffness.



The joints usually become red, swollen, painful and tender. When this occurs, simple everyday activities become painful and onerous. The symptoms may even mimic those of other diseases such as gout and or joint infection. Rheumatoid arthritis may even affect parts of the body other than the joints. The commonly affected areas include the eyes, mouth, vocal chords, lung, heart and blood vessels.

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis is a tricky process because of its ability to mimic other diseases. The physician will have to carefully review the patients’ medical history and present physical condition. X-ray and blood samples are also taken to aid the diagnosis. Arthrocentesis or arthroscopy may also be performed.

As of yet there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis.



Treatment essentially consists of medication to reduce pain and inflammation and retard the progress of this disease, along with physical therapy to strengthen the affected limbs.

Patients suffering from this disease need to take special care to adapt their lifestyle to combat its effects. It is very important to perform the exercises and follow the system of diet and medication that is prescribed by your physician on a regular basis. Smoking is a big no as it is suspected to promote the progress of rheumatoid arthritis. Help and support from family and friends goes a long way in helping patients successfully fight this ailment.