Long-Term Disability & Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can be a debilitating disease that leads to immobility. Being educated about how to cope with it and how to treat it can help enhance one's life while living with the disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Arthritis leads to inflammation of the joints.

  Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term, autoimmune disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and the surrounding tissues.

Long-Term Disability

• Knees are often affected by arthritis.

  Rheumatoid arthritis is often a painful condition. It can lead to a lack of mobility and substantial loss of functioning in the joints. The loss of fluid around the joint area, as well as the destruction of the joint surface, can lead to deformity.

Treatment

• Therapy can help with mobility.

  Treatments include physical therapy, occupational therapy, steroids and pain killers. The Arthritis Foundation says early, aggressive treatment can limit damage to joints.

Diet

• Foods high in omega-3 have been shown to decrease inflammation and can reduce flareups, according to MSNBC. However, according to Johns-Hopkins University, whether omega 3-fatty acids should be included in a diet for those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis remains controversial.

Other Complications

• Rheumatoid arthritis can produce inflammation in the lungs.

  Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the organs. Inflammation in the lungs and the tissue under the skin can also occur.