Sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) know that it is, indeed, a life-long disease, with chronic reoccurrences, or “flare-ups” repeating over time. However, RA can be maintained and also doesn’t have to be constant.
RA can be very painful and debilitating as it is an inflammatory form of arthritis. It is caused by white blood cells turning on the body and attacking the lining of the joints. The cause of this is not necessarily known, but is thought to perhaps be the result of a viral infection that people are genetically more susceptible to.
This would indicate that while the disease itself is not heredity, one’s capacity to acquire it is. According to the Mayo Clinic, RA typically affects females, with females more than twice as likely as males to get it, and has a predominant age range between 20-50, although not limited to that particular age bracket.
Typically, more than one joint is affected at a time and they tend to occur on symmetrical sides of the body. RA tends to surface first in the smaller joints (hands, wrists, feet, knees) before moving to larger joints (hips, shoulders, jaw, neck, elbows) as a pain/swelling/stiffness/aching.
Additional symptoms include: loss of motion and strength in joints and muscles, fever, joint deformity, fatigue , occasionally depression. Rheumatoid Nodules are also common and appear as bumps underneath the flesh at pressure points. They vary in size and are not usually painful. RA can also cause the heart and lung lining to inflame, as well as certain glands.
There is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It is common for RA to happen in cycles of activity, followed by periods of remission when symptoms either disappear or are greatly reduced. Flare-ups can be prevented or maintained by managing RA effectively with medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, and possibly by preventing infection.
Surgeries are available in some cases, especially in particular severe cases where joint destruction has occurred. In these cases, patients will undergo joint replacement surgery. Another surgery involves removing antibodies that cause inflammation in the joints. They are carried on for four months on a weekly basis. They may increase joint pain temporarily.
Prescription drugs are available in several different varieties that perform several different functions. Some work to reduce inflammation, although one must be careful given that long-term use can lead to liver/kidney damage and stomach bleeding. COX-2
Inhibitors work by suppressing enzymes that work in joint inflammation. These drugs also have negative side effects as they have been linked to a higher likelihood of heart attack and stroke risk. Anti-rheumatic drugs are used to limit joint damage and are important when the disease is in early development as they slow the disease and protect the joints and tissues.
Immunosuppressant’s can also be used as they suppress immune responses and weed out disease cells. They must be used cautiously however as the user is now more susceptible to other infections.
Alternatives with no side effects are often used as complementary drugs or by advocates of alternative medication.
