Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Several individuals in the United States suffer from Arthritis today. This common condition affects people of all ages, and it is more common than you might think. If you know someone with arthritis, than you are most likely familiar with the pain, discomfort, and difficulty they often experience. How do you know if you are at risk for developing this condition? And are their effective treatment options? First of all, there are a number of different types of arthritis that people suffer from and the symptoms for each of these do vary. Therefore, just because your hands feel different does not necessarily mean you have arthritis.

However, learning about the symptoms will give you a better idea of what symptoms to look out for and when to see a doctor. One of the most common types is Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA basically means that the white cells and antibody proteins that are in your blood to fight off infections actually enter your joints. This causes excess fluid to be produced which causes heat and swelling of the joint. Over time this leads to the bone being warn away due to thinning of the cartilage that covers the ends of your bones.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

• swollen joints which are warm to the touch
• ‘hot’ joints which are painful
• stiffness after being in one position for a long time(i.e. sleeping through the night)
• no grip in your hands
• fatigue
• weight loss
• Rheumatoid nodules – fleshy lumps that usually appear on your hands, feet and elbows

RA usually develops slowly and you will usually notice symptoms in a small number of joints to start with (i.e. fingers, knuckles, wrists etc). Sufferers will usually notice that symptoms are mirrored and both wrists will suffer the same way, or both ankles etc. For some people, however the disease is fast paced and can develop quickly. Regardless, it is important to realize that if you notice a difference in the function and ability of your hands or joints, it could be an indication that you have developed RA. It is important to speak with a doctor and receive a proper evaluation.

As with most conditions symptoms develop differently for different people. Your age will also affect how much of an affect the symptoms have on you. Some people find that they have pain all of the time where as others find symptoms come and go sporadically. There is no way of predicting when a RA flare up will occur however you may notice a pattern in your symptoms. Also, keep in mind younger people have an advantage in terms of time; and, although the statistics may be on their side, some people still suffer tremendously from RA at a young age.

Individuals that suffer from this condition can benefit from working to create a positive atmosphere for their lives. You can consult with your doctor for suggestions on what you can change in your life to help you cope with your arthritis. However, the following are examples of ideas that are not only effective at helping you throughout your battle with arthritis, but also extremely easy to implement.

Common Rheumatoid arthritis treatments recommended by doctors

• Self Help – The best way to overcome your personal battle with arthritis will be on your own. You need to recognize and strike a balance between exercise and rest. Gentle exercise can help relive arthritis symptoms however too much can make the worse. This is a personal threshold and you will learn how far you can push yourself.

• Lose Weight – Being over weight can put unnecessary pressure on your joints. Losing any of this excess weight will relieve this pressure. Although exercise may be hard which can hinder your chances of losing weight you should try and stick to a healthy eating plan.

• Learn New Skills – You will be able to learn new ways of doing this. Once you are diagnosed with RA you will be assigned an occupational therapist who will be able to teach you these methods to help make your life easier.

• Food supplements – There is a limited amount of evidence to show that food supplements can help relieve arthritis symptoms. These include omega-3 fatty acids (such as oily fish), borage seed oil and evening primrose oil.

Unfortunately arthritis symptoms cannot be cured; however, there are medications that you can be prescribed, which can relieve symptoms. These medications help many arthritis sufferers to live a comfortable and normal life.

• Pain killers – Standard pain killers such as paracetamol can help you manage pain
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – These reduce swelling and inflammation and as a result relieve pain.
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic tablets – These work in two ways. First they relieve symptoms and secondly they can help slow down the progression of the disease.
• Biological Medicines – As a last resort you may be prescribed medicines made from human or animal proteins. They can help slow down the onset of the condition but are only used as a last resort.

There are also creams and gels you can get that help relieve symptoms. On their own these are not overly efficient but can help when mixed with other pain relief As a real last resort if other treatment has not worked then you may be referred to a surgeon.

Operations recommended to reduce Rheumatoid arthritis pain include:

• Knee or hip replacement
• Repair/remove inflamed tendons
• Synovectomy to remove the lining of an inflamed joint.

If you find your self suffering any type of Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms that it is important that you seek medical advice. Arthritis is both painful and progressive, which is why it is vital that you start treatment as soon as possible. The disease is manageable and many Americans are living with few problems. This is usually a result of good pain management and skilled doctors. Finding the right mix of therapy and medication can take time and so the sooner you start treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis the sooner you can be on the right path to being as pain free as possible.