Rheumatoid Arthritis : Symptoms

Since arthritis is a general medical terminology covering more than hundred different diseases of the joint, the word ‘rheumatism’ was probably used in the past when referring it to a non-specific joint disease.

Unlike osteoarthritis which causes pain and stiffness because the cartilage that normally prevents the bones in the joints from rubbing together is wearing away, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are caused by an inflammation of the membrane that normally lubricates and protects the joints. In addition to the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis, small nodules or lumps may be present under the skin near the joints.

As another significant characteristic of autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis tend to be associated with systemic symptoms, i.e. symptoms appearing throughout the body or the system. These include mild fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and malaise. Medically speaking, these are manifestations of cell discontent when they are (wrongly?) activated.

If early warning signs can be identified before the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis appear, then doctors may be able to prevent the disease from progressing to the point where joint deformity occurs. But, much research is still necessary before this can happen. Currently doctors are only able to make a confirmed diagnosis after the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis appear.

Although it is understood what causes rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, it is unclear what causes the disease itself. It is believed that the auto-immune system, which normally attacks and destroys harmful bacteria and viruses in the body, goes “haywire,” and attacks healthy cells of the body, causing inflammation or swelling and stiffness in the joints as well as other parts of the body.

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, however, the common goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, stop or slow down joint damage and improve the ability to function on a daily basis. There are many exciting new advances in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Since rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the whole-body immune reaction to a problem that is localized, it can affect any joint/joints irrespective of the fact that they are weight-bearing or not. Also, it usually affects the smaller joints like the hands, balls of the feet, wrists or elbows. But there are quite a few exceptions to this.

Cox-2 inhibitors have also been used to treat the common symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis, but some have dangerous side effects and may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The early symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis may be treated with corticosteroids, but these are not used for long term care, because they become ineffective and may lead to thinning of the bones, weight gain and diabetes.

Filed under: Arthritis

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