Introduction
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a medical
condition that can seriously affect the organs and tissues located primarily in
the synovial joints. It is termed as a systematic inflammatory disorder that
results in subsequent immobility and inability of movement. The disease is
progressive in nature, meaning it aggravates with passage of time and disables
the human body. The points where the disease affects are the joint regions in
feet and wrists although other parts in the human body are also equally prone
to be affected. The human body’s immune system is a collection of complex cells
and antibodies that function in a coordinated manner to attack and destroy
foreign bodies that enter the body through external sources. Immunity helps
protect ourselves from unknown infections. When the immune system starts
attacking our own body on the presumption of foreign particles or harmful
infectants it leads to this disease. The National Health Service estimated
about three lakh fifty thousand people to be affected by this painful disease.
Further, this disease is more prone to occur in women than in men by a multiple
of three times. Due to lack of awareness and unavailability of proper health
care facilities most people tend to be ignorant of this disease until it
becomes sever and is diagnosed at a later stage.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The main primary cause of this
disease is that the body’s immune system begins to attack the body itself.
Antibodies attack the synovium which is a thin membrane that protects and
lubricates the joints. Due to this onslaught of antibodies the membrane breaks
causing acute pain while moving or shifting positions. The lack of lubrication
causes friction in the joints that causes the severe pain. The initial stages
of this disease are hardly known since the symptoms and signs occur at a very
late stage when much interior damage could have already been happened. Due to
the breaking of the membrane and subsequent compromise of the cartilage the
joints lose shape and composure and tend to become crippled or disfigured. It
is also proven that the external living conditions of an individual also have a
role to play in the disease occurrence. Various bacterial infection, virus
attacks and alien substances can enter the body system and result in provoking
the disease.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe
chronic disease with prolonged periods of suffering. The patients may not
capable of knowing the signs and taking precautions at an early stage. It may
take weeks or even months for the symptoms to be reveled completely. By then
treatment may not be as effective and the patient may have to undergo deep
suffering. The most commonly affected regions of this disease are the wrists,
shoulders, hand joints, knees, elbows, and ankles. Joints show swelling and
acute pain in early stages. The skin may also have an inflammatory sensation
and reddening followed by swelling. The patient may also lose weight
significantly due to lack of interest in appetite. Other signs of the disease
include inflammation of lungs, tear glands, salivary glands and other interior
organs of the body. The patient tends to feel constant fatigue and tiredness
and an aggravated inability to move freely. Walking and climbing may also
become extremely difficult due to this medical condition. Depression and low
state of mind are also features of this disease as most patients are unable to
express their bodily condition effectively. Regular fever and similar illness
are also signs of the onset of this disease.
Diagnosis Rheumatoid Arthritis
In the early days diagnosing this
disease was not as easy as it is today. The inflammation and stiffness
conditions were related to many other diseases which left the detection of this
disease unattended in most cases. However, with the advancement in technology
and a range of tests it has become easy to detect this disease with blood
tests, scanning and x-rays. The ESR or SED rate of the blood is an effective
measure which reveals whether the patient is having any internal trouble.
Inflammatory conditions can be quickly assessed with a test of the ESR rate.
Further, a testing of anemia may also be prescribed by the doctor as a vast
majority of the patients with rheumatoid arthritis also tend to have anemia.
Further, if a patient tends to have morning stiffness or inability to move
freely in the mornings, he is said to be suffering from this disease. The
joints settle down in position during the night and make it nearly impossible
to move them during the day. A variety of other tests including physical examination
may also be ordered by the doctor in order to understand more about the
patient’s medical history and other medications. The disease may also be
diagnosed with the occurrence of the following joint pains: sarcoidosis, acute
rheumatic fever, amyloidosis, etc.
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The treatment process of the
disease involves three personnel: the chief physician, a chiropodist, an
occupational therapist, podiatrist, general practitioner and a primary care
nurse. Medication used for this kind of disease include NSAIDS which if taken
on high dosages will lead to possible liver damage, bruises, hyper tension,
internal stomach bleeding, constant irritation in the ears, etc. It is possible
to treat this disease with an occupational therapist that can provide new and
effective ways of curing which might take a longer duration than other methods.
Surgeries like anthroplasty, arthrodesis, tendon repair and synovectomy are
also effective in curing this disease. Like any other disease a change in the lifestyle
also makes a positive impact on this medical condition. Applying heat or cold
on the affected regions will help in easing pain in the joint regions. Sauna
baths or hot showers also aid in providing relief from pain. Other therapies
like acupuncture, hydrotherapy, massages, and electrotherapy are also known to
give positive results in curing this disease. Rheumatic arthritis is a serious
medical condition that requires much personal attention and care. Any
medication or service provided should be done only after obtaining prior
approval from the medical practitioner.
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