Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a degenerative disease characterized by inflammation in the lining of the joints. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint swelling, stiffness and pain. Sometimes the affected joint will be swollen, red and hot to the touch. RA is considered a systemic disease since it can affect multiple organs, and is considered autoimmune since the body's immune system is instructing itself to attach the joints of the body..
Stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis
There are three stages of rheumatoid arthritis. The first stage of RA is the swelling of the affected joints, redness, pain and stiffness. This stiffness is especially apparent in the morning, after lying still for a period of time.
The second stage of RA is called pannus, which is a rapid growth of cells causing the lining of the joint (called synovis) to thicken.
The third stage is when these rapidly growing cells release an enzyme that begins to destroy the lining of the joint, as well as the joint itself. This eventually causes loss of use of the affected joint.
Stage One
Symptoms of RA vary with each person, but the common symptoms are joint stiffness, inflammation, aching, low grade fever, fatigue and pain. Stage One of RA will be characterized by swelling throughout the day and extreme stiffness after lying or sitting for long periods. An uncomfortable tingling throughout the body comes and goes. The patient may have redness and warmth in the affected joints.
Stage Two
In Stage Two of RA, persistent inflammation in the lining of the joint (called synovus) begins to lead to a thickening of the lining, which can produce synovial cysts. These cysts can move or cause weakness and ruptures in the tendons. Erosion of the joint causes bony appearance in small joints such as in the hands and feet, Difficulty in movement accompanies pain and stiffness.
Stage Three
By Stage Three, erosion of the joint has caused permanent destruction, and displaced tendons and continued erosion of joints cause fingers and toes to be curved or bent so they are not usable. Hip or knee replacement surgery may be considered.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosing RA can be difficult since there is so much variety is how it affects each patient. The rheumatologist may request blood testing, but will ask questions about the symptoms to see if they fit a pattern. For example, osteoarthritis may affect just one hand. RA is may affect both hands at the same time.
The doctor may order blood tests to check the SED rate. This is a test to see how rapidly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a tube. The faster the red blood cells fall, the higher your SED (Erithrocype Sedimentation) rate. A high SED rate would indicate rheumatoid arthritis, but only 60 percent of those diagnosed with the disease have a high SED rate.
Early diagnosis is important since medications that limit joint damage cannot repair injured joints.
Living with the symptoms of RA
Living with RA will cause a person to change many aspects of his lifestyle. Sleep helps with the constant fatigue, pain and swelling, especially in the feet and legs. Attention to diet is important, since some foods tend to set off inflammation. Weight loss reduces stress on feet, knees and heart. Light exercise is helpful to build muscles that supports joints.
No Known Cause or Cure
There is no known cause and no known cure for RA, Many theories about the cause range from genetics to untreated long-term food allergies. More women than men are diagnosed with RA, but children are not excluded.
Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and Biologic drugs may control the symptoms, decrease inflammation in the body and preserve the joints. These make living with the disease tolerable..
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