Definition of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is characterized by a chronic inflammation of the joints. It is an auto-immune disease that can also affect the tissue surrounding the joints as well as other organs. Rheumatoid Arthritis may progress to the point that the patient loses mobility and function of their joints. Joints become damaged and a person with Rheumatoid Arthritis may experience stiffness, swelling and pain.

Symptoms

• Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, and muscle and joint pain and stiffness. Joints can become red and swollen and may be very painful. Bones and joints may become deformed. Chest pain from inflammation around the heart, and nodules that appear under the skin may also be signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis, along with shortness of breath and coughing, resulting from inflamed lungs.

Diagnosis

• Doctors will take a patient history and exam joints for signs of inflammation or disfiguration. Bloodwork and X-rays will most likely be taken. Doctors may also take a sample of joint fluid using a procedure called arthrocentesis.

Current Medical Treatments

• Drugs such as aspirin or cortisol help to reduce pain and inflammation, while slow-acting drugs are used to prevent further deterioration of the joints. Patients with severe joint deformity may require surgery.

Other Treatments

• A healthy, active lifestyle is recommended. Regular exercise, swimming in particular, is also beneficial to patients suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Alternative Medicine

• If traditional methods of treating Rheumatoid Arthritis do not work adequately, patients may choose alternative treatments to relieve their symptoms. These include plant and fish oils, and Tai-Chi.