Effects and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Uploaded by spootyhead on Apr 18, 2007
Effects and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just arthritis. In deed, many doctors call it “rheumatoid disease” to emphasize its widespread nature. People with RA often describe feeling much as though they have a virus, with fatigue and aching acting on their muscles. It has been estimated that 2 million Americans with 60% of them women, have rheumatoid arthritis (Brewer, Earl J, 2000). The condition usually appears in middle-aged people, in the forties and fifties, although it can begin at any age. Since RA is so common, and because it can sometimes be severe, it is a major international health problem (Lorig, Kate, 1995). It can result in difficulties with employment and problems with daily activities, and can put severe stress on family relationships. In its most severe forms, and without good treatment, it can result in deformities of the joint. In RA, the synovial membrane lining in the joint becomes inflamed. We don’t have a good explanation as to why this inflammation starts, but the cells of the membrane divide and grow, and inflammatory cells come into the joint. Because of the bulk of these inflammatory cells, the joint becomes swollen, and feels puffy (Lorig, Kate, 1995). The increased blood flow that is a feature of the inflammation makes the joint warm. The cells release chemicals (called enzymes) into the joint space and the enzymes cause the further irritation and pain. If the process continues for years, the enzymes may gradually digest the cartilage and the bone of the joint (www.starttrial.com/facts.asp). This then is rheumatoid arthritis, a process in which inflammation of the joint membrane, over many years, can cause damage to the joint itself.
SYMPTOMS
Rheumatoid arthritis is an unpredictable disease with bouts of illness or remissions occurring for no apparent reason. Many patients say that one of the hardest aspects to cope with is never knowing when the next attack is going to strike. They can go to sleep at night feeling quite well and wake the next morning hardly able to get out of bed (http://www.healthtalk.com) Symptoms can also vary from person to person with some patients experiencing only minor aches and pains, while others are totally debilitated by the disease.
Symptoms include:
•Mild fever
•Aches and pain in and around a joint (joints on both sides of the body are usually equally affected)
•Joint stiffness, particularly in the...