Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive disease that can ultimately render its victim unable to walk or move without experiencing severe pain. The root cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not presently known. Some speculate that there is a hereditary component: that the disease is something locked into a person’s DNA. Others view environment as a key cause and habits such as smoking increases the risk of developing this crippler. Because a person can go for years without showing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis after first being diagnosed, a trigger mechanism of some kind might induce symptoms to suddenly reappear.

The common symptoms of this disorder are joint pain and swelling. Morning stiffness that lasts well into the afternoon is also a sign of rheumatoid arthritis. The disease makes itself known in smaller body joints. Wrists, ankles, and feet are among the first parts of the body where evidence of rheumatoid arthritis surfaces. Progressively, larger joints such as the knees and hips will show the effects of spreading ankylosis. Advanced cases of rheumatoid arthritis display a degeneration of the joints with ever increasing pain. The mental condition of the affected person becomes a prominent concern at this point as well, as the inability to perform routine tasks leads to depression. Joint replacement surgery becomes an option to restore mobility and relieve pain.

Over one million American suffer from the disease and it is found in all ethnic groups. There is, however, a gender bias inherent in rheumatoid arthritis. It is more common in women than in men, and the disease ordinarily makes its presence know when an individual is between the ages of forty and sixty. Rheumatoid arthritis itself is not life threatening but it can weaken the immune system. This creates a situation in which a person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis becomes highly susceptible to life threatening heart disease and pneumonia. It is because of this that rheumatoid arthritis is often listed as a secondary cause of mortality on death certificates.

There is currently no cure for rheumatoid arthritis but there are treatment options for this debilitating disease. Addressing the problem as soon as possible, before the onset of irreparable joint damage, is extremely important. Rheumatoid arthritis may not have a cure, but medical studies indicate that immediate, proactive, treatment can force the disease into remission. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) are used to bring rheumatoid arthritis under control. Some moderate changes in a person’s lifestyle can also offset rheumatoid arthritis. Physical activity is often recommended and diets that have selenium and vitamin D can prevent the more serious detriments from overcoming anyone with rheumatoid arthritis. Not smoking is highly recommended as a means of combating this sickness as well. Early detection and treatment, however, are clearly the best means of preventing rheumatoid arthritis from adversely affecting a person’s quality of life.

The synovial tissue in the area of the joints is what is being attacked by the body’s immune system and that is where the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis become apparent. A logical assumption is that pain felt in the joints is a symptom, but that isn’t the only one. There are others that are not so obvious. Fatigue, general stiffness lasting for an extended period, muscle achiness all over the body, and loss of appetite are also common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These do not appear suddenly, but are noticed gradually over a period of time. Other conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, may herald the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogrens syndrome, which causes dryness of the eyes, is another warning sign of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Joints in the fingers, knees, and feet are the most common places where the disease can flare up. Joint pain may last for more than a week and can be symmetrical with both feet or both knees, registering pain at the same time. Swelling is another common indicator of rheumatoid arthritis and joint swelling can be so severe that joints will actually lock, causing considerable discomfort. Joint injuries that seem very long in healing can also be a sign of the onset of rheumatoid arthritis.

Interestingly, some of the symptoms may appear to be signs of other diseases. Weight loss is a symptom, but another one, fever, is also an indicator of influenza. Children suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis might have both high fever and shaking chills; symptoms often found in cases of pneumonia. Children may also develop skin rashes which by themselves are indicators of a number of childhood diseases. It ordinarily takes the presence of a number of symptoms before a solid diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis can be rendered.

Of course, not every discomfort is a sign of a crippling condition. None of the above described symptoms should make anyone feel that the aches and pains suffered after a workout in the gym are by themselves warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis. There are also signs of stiffness that are a natural part of the body’s aging. It is on-going pain around the joints and signs of persistent swelling a person has to look out for. If such discomfort lasts for a period of a few weeks, it may be wise to make an appointment to see a doctor.

The Better Medicine web site has a Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Test that can be used to identify whether or not a person has the symptoms of the disease. While this test should not be used for diagnostic purposes, it does give usable information to be shared with a physician to better clarify a person’s condition. There is still no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but early diagnosis can arrest the debilitating advance of this disease and possibly send it into remission. Knowing the symptoms beforehand can help.

Proper diet can reduce the inflammation of the joints that rheumatoid arthritis patients have. The intake of fats is one diet consideration. Fats don’t have to be excluded entirely; in fact the prostaglandins found in fats play a role in controlling inflammation. The right kinds of fats are important. A person with rheumatoid arthritis needs to cut down on animal fats and replace them with fats derived from vegetables, seeds and oily fish and the menu has great selections. Pumpkin seeds, wheatgerm oil, and salmon are among the excellent sources of fats useful for controlling joint inflammation.

Other types of diets are also good for controlling rheumatoid arthritis. Mediterranean cuisine, for instance, is full of vegetables, cereals, and olive oil that all have beneficial fats. Vegetarian or vegan diets have been known to decrease stiffness and increase the grip strength of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. A person doesn’t even have to give up meat entirely. Just adding more green peas, bell peppers and broccoli can provide the antioxidants necessary to protect tissue around the joints.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have a deficiency of certain vitamins. The most common vitamins found lacking are Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and B9, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin E. Foods that are rich in these needed vitamins include leafy green vegetables, citric fruits, bananas, fish, egg yolk, and dairy products. These vitamins provide a number of means to combat the pain of rheumatoid arthritis. They offer protection from weak bones (Vitamin D), prevent joint inflammation (Vitamin C), and have the health benefits of antioxidants (Vitamin E). Any of these vitamins can be taken in capsule form if the food source is not readily available. Good nutrition and a balanced diet are important because the disease can drain the patient of energy.

A number of people claim that fasting can help, but any relief from food deprivation is very short term in duration, and not a long-term rheumatoid arthritis diet. Some medications used in treatment can create nutritional problems as side effects. Methotrexate has been known to create folic acid deficiency and while the medicines do relieve the pain, they can also cause peptic ulcers. Some foods can be harmful such as meat or certain processed foods. These need to be removed from the diet if a patient shows any evidence of hypersensitivity.

Although diet helps, it is not a reliable substitute for medical treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis is a sinister animal. It can go into remission, making the patient believe that diet alone ceased the pain, and then come back unexpectedly in a harsh flare up. A person suffering from the disease may be tempted to try nouveau diet therapies, but these people must heed this warning: diet cannot cure rheumatoid arthritis. It can, however, help relieve the symptoms and that is good news for anyone with rheumatoid arthritis. Diet therapy can be included in the disease management strategy and anyone with rheumatoid arthritis ought to consider talking with his or her doctor about a diet to combat the symptoms of this crippler. The combination of diet, medication and exercise therapy can be a sound way to control the disease and is a plan well worth considering.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment comes in a number of ways. An immediate concern is to stop the pain that comes with the joint inflammation, and there is medication that can help. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) suppress the autoimmune responses of the body, and can either slow or stop the progression of joint damage. These are considered the first step in any formal drug therapy program for a patient. DMARDs are recommended as part of immediate treatment and at least one ought to be prescribed at the initial diagnosis. Medications which will reduce the pain and inflammation, but cannot limit any joint damage, are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These include ibuprofen, naproxen and celcoxib.

When DMARDs do not produce acceptable results there are other possible treatments for rheumatoid arthritis to consider and biologic therapy is one of them. Biologics are genetically engineered proteins intended to inhibit those parts of the body’s immune system that stimulate inflammation. What distinguishes them from other medications is their ability to target specific areas where other drugs affect the immune system more broadly. Biologics are ordinarily used with rheumatoid arthritis medications and have been known to successfully slow the disease’s progression.

A level of caution, though, is needed when using any medication. Some of the drugs do have side effects. Corticosteroids, for example, can increase the risk of outside infections and certain DMARDs may cause kidney or liver damage. Because of their ability to suppress the immune system, biologics may also increase the possibility of infection. Lastly, biologics can also cause dormant tuberculosis to flare up. As such, anyone contemplating biologic therapy needs to have a skin test for tuberculosis prior to beginning treatment.

The final rheumatoid arthritis treatment is joint replacement surgery. This is the last resort when, despite all efforts, the pain has become unbearable for the patient. The most common surgeries are hip and knee replacement. Metal or ceramic implants are used, with ceramic being recommended as the best option for hip replacement. Neither elbow or shoulder joint replacements are easy but finger joint replacement, believe it or not, is quite common. Finger joint replacement requires a joint prosthesis made of silicone to be attached to the finger bones. Joint replacement is the subject of considerable research and new techniques are being tested to improve the flexibility and comfort of a person handicapped with rheumatoid arthritis.

Whatever treatment is ultimately used in helping a rheumatoid arthritis patient, early detection is critical to controlling this beast. If a person experiences joint pain or inflammation for a week, then it is possibly more than ordinary aches and pains and a doctor should be contacted immediately. While certain lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and not smoking are helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis, systematic therapy including medication may be in order, particularly in advanced cases. Whatever means are used; it is vital that the presence of rheumatoid arthritis be recognized and steps quickly taken to address the patient’s condition. The sooner rheumatoid arthritis treatment begins, the sooner it is brought under control and the patient can return to a more normal existence.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Through some form of cellular miscommunication, the body’s immune system thinks that certain tissue is pathogenic or harmful to the body and attacks the source. This is ordinarily the synovial tissue, and the assault on it by the body’s immune system eventually results in the destruction of cartilage and the stiffening of joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is not a killer by itself, but it is a crippler, as the illness effectively strips the individual of a wide range of motion.

One possibility is genetics. Inherited genes could either make a person highly susceptibility to the condition or cause the autoimmune activity of the body’s B and T cells to be accentuated. Human leukocyte antigen, HLA, is the primary genetic marker associated with rheumatoid arthritis and the HLA forms HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DR4 could make the debilitation caused by the disease more severe. Some researchers have suggested that the STAT4 gene, which encodes a protein involved with the regulation and activation of cells in the immune system, may be the starting point for rheumatoid arthritis in the body. If the cause is a virus, then genetic disposition could make a person more likely to develop the disease.

Environmental factors are another possible cause of rheumatoid arthritis. It has been known for some time that smoking and drinking alcohol, for instance, will increase the risks. Interestingly, researchers at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, advance the idea that a person’s working environment causes the development of rheumatoid arthritis. They contend that those work places in which a person cannot control his or her situation is something that encourages the development of the disability. Man-made toxins such as pesticides, dioxins, and xylene are known to increase the risk of various forms of cancer and may also be a triggering mechanism for rheumatoid arthritis. Nutrition may have a role in the cause. Research has noted that low levels of vitamins B6, B12, vitamin D and vitamin E are common among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Low levels of selenium in the blood and joints also point to starting places for the body’s autoimmune offensives

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis may, in fact, be the result of a combination of factors, including all of the above. A person can do certain things to decrease the risk or, in the case of a patient with the disease, send it into remission. For example, not smoking is a known means of reducing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Other precautions include diets with selenium and the vitamins mentioned above that most patients have in very low levels. Moderate levels of exercise are also suggested means of keeping the disease from debilitating a person. Rheumatoid arthritis is not a death sentence and as medical research continues to search for the ultimate cure of this condition, there is evidence of probable causes. Knowing the causes of rheumatoid arthritis can help a person develop health strategies to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of this debilitating disease.

An autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis strikes more women than men and smokers more often than non-smokers. The age can be anywhere from six months and over, although senior citizens appear to be the more likely victims. The root cause is still unknown though research is ongoing to discover the source. There have been studies that suggest some kind of genetic factor may play a role in this disease. There may be a rheumatoid arthritis gene that can be inherited from a parent, but will the chromosome by itself trigger a flare up? The best thing that can currently be said is that there may be a gene that causes rheumatoid arthritis, but it may do nothing more than increase the chances of a person getting it.

Still, expectant mothers have a right to be concerned, particularly if they themselves suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Several genes are thought to be linked to this condition. Research in the 1960s associated HLA-B27 with a number of diseases affecting the joints. Later investigation matched HLA-DR with the likelihood of rheumatoid arthritis. HLA-DR’s connection with rheumatoid arthritis stems from its perceived contribution to the development of autoimmune disease. HLA-DR4 is getting notice as a possible cause of rheumatic arthritis, as those who have severe cases of the disease and do not response well to antibiotics ordinarily have this gene.

A research team at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom discovered that a variant in a region on chromosome 6 has an association with rheumatoid arthritis. Tumour necrosis factor associated protein (TNFAIP3) is involved in causing inflammation and the variant is believed to stimulate activity in TNFAIP3. Another gene called PTPN22 is now known to almost double the probability of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Of special note is the chance that certain genes determine whether certain ethnic groups are at risk. PAD14, for instance, has been recognized as a risk factor for Asians but less so for those who come from European stock. Two final genes, STAT4 and TRAFI-C5 may have a connection with rheumatoid arthritis, but additional investigations are needed before this can be positively concluded. Lastly, it has been found that people with a variant found at chromosome 9 have an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis as opposed to those without the variant.

It is still too early to conclusively state that rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary, but continued research appears to be bringing the medical community closer to accepting the possibility of a carrier gene. If there is such a gene, discovering it would aid immensely in treatment as it would help determine who succumbs to this disease and how severely. Until that discovery, a variety of treatments and medications are being used to either reduce the adverse effects of rheumatoid arthritis or force it into remission. This continues to be a debilitating disease and if genetic research can positively identify the source, it will go quite a distance in relieving the suffering of thousands of rheumatoid arthritis patients.

It can come on gradually or quite suddenly. Hand and finger rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by swelling and finger joints that creak when moved (known as crepitus). Swan neck deformity is a common sign of hand and finger rheumatoid arthritis. The base of the finger and the outermost joint will bend, but the middle joint straightens, creating a crooked position of the hand. Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee has the common characteristics of the disease, but cause pain and discomfort severe enough to require total joint replacement. Hip rheumatoid arthritis causes discomfort in the thigh, lower back and groin areas. Regular exercise can help reduce the adverse effects of hip rheumatoid arthritis, but in severe cases hip surgery and joint replacement may be necessary.

Rheumatoid arthritis is not just a problem for the elderly. Children can become victims of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and there are over fifty thousand cases in the United States alone. Oligoarticular JRA  will concentrate in the knee and wrist joints of the child’s body and may also cause inflammation of the iris. Polyarticular arthritis will also cause problems in the hands, but the weight bearing joints (knees, hips, ankles, feet and neck) can also be distressed. The worst form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic, will ravage the entire body and cause rashes and possible enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes of the child.

Joint replacement surgery is an option, but is used in extreme cases of the disease. There are medications used to treat the various types of rheumatoid arthritis. These can be the mild, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, or more powerful treatments known as Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These reduce the rate of damage to the cartilage and can produce durable remission of the disease. Corticosteroids such as prednisone reduce the swelling and slow down the damage, but side effects include diabetes and make this a medication used only for short periods of time. Exercise therapy is commonly urged as a means of keeping damaged joints flexible and slowing down the progress of rheumatoid arthritis.

There is still no cure for rheumatoid arthritis but research is ongoing. Hopefully, a breakthrough in one form or another will lead to successful cures in the other variations. Current treatments are exercise therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Early detection and diagnosis is also very important. While temporary aches and pains may not necessarily mean that rheumatoid arthritis is beginning to develop, persistent pain and/or swelling of the joints that last a week or more can be symptoms. Immediate, proactive, response would then be necessary. As mentioned earlier, this disease is not mortal, but it will cause considerable discomfort wherever it occurs in the body. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances for a normal life.

The primary complication involved with rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy is the pain it inflicts on a pregnant woman in addition to the normal stresses of carrying a fetus. Medical research has shown that there is a possibility of high blood pressure and the delivery of low weight babies. The likelihood of needing a Caesarean delivery is also there, but research suggests the chances of that are approximately one in five. Conception itself could be a problem. Men suffering with a rheumatoid arthritis flare have lower sperm counts and have difficulty achieving an erection. Further, in both males and females there is a reduced libido caused by the pain of rheumatic arthritis.

The disease does not appear to cause birth defects and aside from low body weight, women with rheumatoid arthritis deliver healthy babies. It is the medications used in treating the disease, however, that may cause problems. Methotrexate, a medication used to treat autoimmune diseases, is also used to terminate pregnancies. Leflunomide is a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) that suppresses the autoimmune responses of the body. It can also cause birth defects. More importantly, if these medications are taken by the father the chances for birth defects will increase. It is important, therefore, that both parents use contraception during any therapy in which methotrexate or leflunomide are being used. It is also essential that the couple be aware that several months must elapse between ending the medication and conception itself to allow the traces of the drug still in the body to vanish.

Pregnancy causes changes in a woman’s body and a number of them actually improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, especially during the third trimester . Pregnancy alters the immune system of the mother. Fatigue and lower back joint pain are common to both pregnancy and rheumatoid arthritis and it is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the two. The treatment for the rheumatoid arthritis condition must be changed a bit if a couple wishes to have a child. Drugs such as leflunomide need to have a period of “washing out” whereby traces of the drug are no longer present in the body. That could be as much as two years prior to the pregnancy. Some drugs are safe to use while a woman is carrying a fetus to term. Prednisone is safe and so is Sulfasalazine. Biologics such as Enbrel and Remicade might be harmless although there is still need for research into the effects on pregnancy. Regardless of the medication, a woman wishing to become pregnant does need to work closely with her doctor.

All of the precautions considered, the good news is that simply having rheumatoid arthritis while pregnant does not mean that the pregnancy will end in stillbirth or miscarriage. A mother needs to keep in mind that bodily changes during postpartum could result in rheumatoid arthritis flare ups and to be ready for that possibility. Good diet during pregnancy is recommended with low-fat, high carbohydrate and high fiber foods being part of a mother’s meals. Vitamin D and calcium supplements taken daily are also good. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain but there is no reason not to have a family because of it. What is needed is an understanding of what precautions must be taken and working with a physician to chart a successful, healthy pregnancy.

Oligoarticular JRA is noticed most often in the knee and wrist joints of the child. This form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the iris. Polyarticular arthritis is found in weight bearing joints such as the knees, hips, ankles, feet and neck with the small joints of the hands also being impacted. This form is exceptional for occurring more often in girls than in boys. Systemic JRA is the most serious because it will affect the entire body. In addition to the swelling symptoms in joints, the spleen and lymph nodes may become enlarged and high fevers are possible.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is more common among girls and in white children than black or Asian. It can cause eye inflammation and if untreated could lead to glaucoma. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can also detrimentally affect the development of a child’s bones and inhibit growth. Various treatments are used in dealing with this illness. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) help relieve the symptoms and slow the progress of this disabler. Corticosteriods are used in severe cases of juvenile rheumatic arthritis but there is a caveat in the use. These medications can have a negative impact on normal growth and make the child susceptible to infection. Because of these potential problems, it is recommended that corticosteroids be used only for short periods of time and always under the guidance of a doctor.

Children are emotionally immature and many times don’t fully understand why they have this disease. It is therefore extremely important to allow them to openly express their feelings and assure them that juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not a punishment. Parents and guardians need to work with the schools to make any alterations to a child’s schedule to better help him or her cope with the disease in a school setting (e.g. extra time between classes, a set of textbooks for home and one for school, etc.). Making certain to include the child in all family activities is also extremely important for emotional well-being.

The only positive thing to be said about juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is that can be short term, lasting a while and then going into remission for the rest of the child’s life. It often is the case that the only medication needed is over the counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. Regular exercise and eating nutritious foods are recommended as part of the daily regime for children with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it can also last a lifetime in certain cases and early treatment can make this disease more controllable and even send it into remission. When early symptoms such as swelling joints or pain in the joints become evident, a doctor should be contacted for diagnosis. Prompt action can prevent juvenile rheumatoid arthritis from dominating the life of a child, and allow the youngster to live a more normal childhood.

A patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis has to take an active role in managing the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis may be a part of life, but it need not take complete control. The initial action is to find out as much as possible about the disease, its symptoms, and how it affects normal activity. Those afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis have to know what limitations are placed on them by the condition, and how to best cope with them. An active role in living with rheumatoid arthritis means a willingness to consult with medical professionals and accept their guidance. If the advice includes therapy, then whatever therapeutic routines are prescribed need to be followed without hesitation or complaint.

Learning to cope with pain is an essential lesson for living with rheumatoid arthritis. This isn’t easy under any circumstances, but pain is a fact of the disability and a person has to be able to work with it. This may require knowing how to use splints, canes or other assistive devices but such knowledge can help in living a normal life. Movement is often limited by the condition, but by using a little innovative thinking, many ordinary tasks can still be done. Internal health is very important. An individual living with rheumatoid arthritis has to be alert to any warning signs of depression. Emotions such as mental fatigue or a feeling of worthlessness are all signs of depression and resources can be created to help deal with this (e.g. support groups, exercise routines, etc.). Some personal habits might have to be altered or done away with. Smoking has been shown to adversely affect rheumatoid arthritis and quitting can ease some of the joint pain suffered.

Periods of acute pain known as flares are possible, and a pre-designed plan of action can help weather these storms. Scheduling periods of rest that do not overly conflict with daily work and activity is one strategy that can be used, and consultation with a physician can result in medication changes to better deal with the pain. It’s critically important that a strong relationship be built between the afflicted person and his or her physician. The doctor needs to be a partner in developing coping plans, and routine consultation and appointments help.

It is possible that rheumatoid arthritis can go into a stage of remission that can last for years, but there is no guarantee and a person may have to live with an active case of the disease indefinitely. Anyone living with rheumatoid arthritis cannot sit still and hope the pain will just go away. Being proactive in managing this disability is the only way to have a normal life. The Arthritis Foundation has information on its website that can be used to develop a disease management plan for someone with rheumatoid arthritis. Although this is a crippling malady, it does not in itself condemn anyone to a life in a bed or a wheelchair. More often than not, it is an attitude of helplessness or resignation that leads to such extreme immobility. That is certainly no way to live.