Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis( RA) is an autoimmune complaint. When someone has RA, their vulnerable system inaptly attacks joints and other organs.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common symptoms of RA are directly related to body damage such as damage to joints. Other symptoms are caused by the wide goods of a hyperactive vulnerable system.
Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is named after its consequences on the joints. Still, the autoimmune symptoms it causes can affect systems throughout the body.
Common pain and swelling
The primary symptom of RA is common pain and lump. Symptoms generally start in lower joints. RA generally starts in the fritters( joints) and wrists. Other joints generally affected by RA include
- ankles
- knees
- elbows
- shoulders
- neck
- jaw
Affected joints may feel warm and spongy. According to the Mayo Clinic, body damage such as damage on joints from RA is generally symmetrical. This concludes that if your left hand is affected, your right will be affected as well.
Symmetrical symptoms are one of the effects that distinguish RA from osteoarthritis( OA). Because OA is caused by physical wear and tear and gash on the joints, it’s less likely to be symmetrical. OA is a type of arthritis that utmost people associate with aging or an injury that takes place earlier.
Fever and fatigue
Although common pain is the most characteristic symptom of RA, it isn’t always the first symptom. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, numerous people with RA first experience a low-grade fever( below 100 °F) and extreme fatigue one or two hours after waking up. Still, these early signs and symptoms may not automatically be associated with RA. Fever and fatigue can be caused by numerous other medical conditions, indeed the common cold wave. There’s generally no reason for a physician to suspect RA until common symptoms appear.
Stiffness
Continue stiffness upon awakening is another symptom that can help separate RA from other forms of arthritis.
RA is also associated with stiffness after prolonged ages of inactivity similar to sitting. This stiffness generally lasts an hour or further. In general, stiffness caused by other types of arthritis lasts for a shorter period.
Rheumatoid nodes
According to the Mayo Clinic, rheumatoid swelling is hard, meat-colored lumps that can appear under the skin of the arms. They can range from the size of a pea to the size of a walnut. They can be either portable or forcefully attached to the tendons under the skin. Swelling tends to happen in places of pressure, similar to the elbows or heels. Rheumatoid nodes are a symptom of advanced RA.
Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
RA can affect numerous organs throughout the body. Still, this type of damage isn’t common and is less common now that further effective treatments are available. The symptoms listed below are associated with more severe or advanced complaints.
Dry mouth and eyes
Rheumatoid arthritis is frequently associated with Sjogren’s complaint. This is a condition where the vulnerable system attacks the salivary glands. It can be a source for:
- dry or gritty sensations in the eyes, mouth, and throat
- chapped or shelling lips
- difficulty speaking or swallowing
- tooth damage
Some people with RA also witness another eye discomfort, including
- burning
- itch
- perceptivity to light
- Pleurisy
Pleurisy is severe pressure or sharp pain in the breast when breathing. It’s caused by inflammation of the membrane near the lungs.
Distortion
Advanced RA can be a source of serious common damage if it is not treated properly. Hands may bend at unnatural angles. This could give them an abnormal look. Similar common scars can also intrude with movement. Other joints that can be damaged in this way include
- wrist
- elbows
- ankles
- knees
- neck( position of bones or chines C1- C2)
Preventing Rheumatoid Arthritis
Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. It is a situation that causes the immune system of the body which attack the protective lining of the joints. This can cause cartilage and bone in the body to break down, resulting in pain, redness, and swelling. Current theories suggest that a combination of environmental and genetic factors may increase the risk.
Some risk factors for RA cannot be changed. These include the following:
Age: RA most often affects people between the ages of 40 and 60.
Family history: If you have a close family relative, such as a parent or sibling, with RA, you are at increased risk of the disease.
Gender: This is often seen in women more than men.
However, there are several known risk factors that you can potentially change to reduce your risk of RA. Take the following steps to prevent RA from getting worse.
Stop smoking
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking significantly increases your risk of RA. A history of smoking is associated with a 1.3- to 2.4-fold increased risk. It’s one risk factor you can control. Smoking can also cause RA symptoms to progress more quickly.
If you are a smoker, quit today. Avoiding smoking can reduce the chances of getting RA to a greater extent in life. Some following tips to help you quit smoking are:
Make a list of the reason or reasons you are quitting. When you’re tempted to smoke, this list can remind you why it’s important to keep going. Examples of statements for this list include: “I want to cure RA,” “I want my money to be less spend,” or “I want to make my life better and improve my standard of life.”
Tell friends and family. Encourage your friends and family to help you quit smoking. Seeking their support can also encourage you.
Use medication. If you’d like extra help, consider using these FDA-approved methods, such as nicotine patches or gum. Prescription medications are also available. These include Chantix (varenicline) and Zyban.
Call the “Lung Helpline” at 1-800-LUNGUSA. This is a free service from the American Lung Association that will help you to find more useful ways to quit smoking successfully.
Lose those extra pounds
Overweight people are at higher risk of developing RA. According to the Mayo Clinic, women who are diagnosed with RA in the age group of 55 or younger are more expected to be overweight. To reduce your risk of getting RA, take steps to maintain a healthier weight. These steps may include:
Make an appointment with your primary care physician. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns about adopting an exercise program or if he has a recommended diet based on your overall health.
Set a reasonable weight loss goal. A safe and reasonable goal would be to lose 1 to 1.5 pounds per week.
Practice healthier eating habits. Emphasize healthy choices in your diet, such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Choose lean proteins such as fish, turkey, and skinless chicken whenever possible. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and fat.
Exercises.
Choose exercises related to aerobics and strength training. Strength training can reduce bone loss, a potentially serious side effect of RA. Adding stretching can also help reduce the pain and stiffness that are associated with RA. If you currently have RA, avoid high-impact exercise during a flare (period of more severe arthritis pain).
Scientists are currently studying many different approaches to treating RA. Some of this research is trying to find out how to prevent it from developing in people who are more at risk, as well as how to prevent the disease from getting worse. While doctors have identified certain genetic and blood markers that might indicate a person is at greater risk for RA, they haven’t yet figured out how that information plays a role in who does or doesn’t get it.
Scientists know that there is a very strong relationship between smoking and RA. Until more information is available about prevention strategies, it is very important to stop smoking. This is especially true if you already have risk factors for RA.
Image Source: Creaky Joints
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