Information about Rheumatoid Arthritis in brief

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a type of arthritis which affects the joints resulting in pain and inflammation. Most people complain of morning stiffness, swelling and pain as they wake up and it eases through the day. When Rheumatoid Arthritis is serious it limits the person from performing daily activities.

The reason for Rheumatoid Arthritis is yet not known, but research suggests it's hereditary. Other causes include smoking, diet, weight gain or even your immune system might be attacking the joints due to hormonal imbalances.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is diagnosed by conducting X- Rays of the joints and Blood Tests. CRP- C-Reactive protein tests are also done to find out if the body is highly inflamed as a result of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Blood tests usually find out the RF- Rheumatoid Factor and CCP - Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody. Also doctors perform a thorough physical exam.

There is no cure as of now for Rheumatoid Arthritis. But there are medications which reduce the pain in the joints and also the inflammation. You should start medication if pain is really hurting you and you are not able to perform your daily activities with ease. Some of them find it hard to open lids, hold plates or even brushing their teeth. Its important to take medications not only to reduce pain but to cut down the inflammation.

Relieving the pain is only one part of treating moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. It's very important to prevent the joint damage from getting worse. Certain medications are available in the market which will help both the pain and as well treat it. Also there are injections that are given under the skin. Your doctor will be able to tell you how often you will need take these injections. Make sure you tell your complete medical history to your doctor including allergic reactions, infections caused by fungi, virus or bacteria, Tuberculosis etc. because most of the Rheumatoid Arthritis medicines affect your immune system lowering the immune system to fight infections.


Disadvantages of RA medications:

Most of the RA medications have side effects and some are serious. Side effects include, fever, headache, chills, nausea, itching hives, cough, sneezing, throat infection. Some people will also have heart problems, stomach and bowel problems. Some other also developed aching joints and decreased blood cell counts.

Though there are many disadvantages to the medications, doctor's still prescribed them so that it will ease the pain and inflammation. Managing the risk factors is difficult but it will help if blood pressure, weight, cholesterol are under control.


Other easy ways to reduce the pain:
Meditation, Yoga and breathing exercises also help to being down Rheumatoid Arthritis. Women have reported more Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms than men. This may be due to the hormonal imbalances.

Eating raw turmeric is good to cut down the inflammation. Also eating a lot of fresh greens have shown to be beneficial. Do some walking daily even if it's very difficult. Ten minutes a day will also help. Gradually increase if you can. Quitting smoking and also not being exposed to second hand smoke will help the patients a lot.

Basically, if you cut down inflammation in the body a lot of pain will be reduced. Inflammation can be brought down by eating a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking a lot of water, cutting salt, eating a lot of fish or fish oils. By having daily exercise and following good dietary habits, inflammation and hence Rheumatoid Arthritis pain can be brought down to a large extent without medication. But always make sure you consult your doctor and do the recommended blood works.