Rheumatoid Arthritis is a form of arthritis that results when the body begins to attack its own joints causing inflammation, and pain.  Some sufferers find that rheumatoid arthritis attacks other areas of the body in addition to the joints such as the skin, lungs and kidneys.  While there are some treatments, the earlier rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, the more successful treatment is at preventing and slowing further damage to the patient’s joints.

What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is caused by an auto immune disorder, which means that the body attacks itself in some way.  In the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, the body is attacking its own joints and causing them to deteriorate.  The causes for auto immune disorders themselves however, remain unknown.

Some studies have shown that Rheumatoid Arthritis often results in patients that have also been exposed to the Epstein Bar Virus or the Human Herpes Virus.  Some physicians think that possibly being exposed to these viruses trigger the body’s immune system to respond inappropriately thereby creating this specific auto immune disorder.  Others have noted that many women will be diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis within a year after pregnancy.

Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Some signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis include:

• More than 1 hr of stiffness each morning, in more than 3 joint groups (such as wrists, elbows, hips, knees, back and jaw) for more than 6 weeks.
• Symmetric Arthritis (pain in the joints on both sides of the body as opposed to only one side) is experienced for at least 6 weeks.
• A blood test can be performed, and if the Rheumatoid Factor is present it is often a sign of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Joint degeneration, as evidenced by X-Rays

Who Can Get Rheumatoid Arthritis

Since physicians and researchers don’t fully understand auto immune disorders, there is no clear evidence as to a specific cause for Rheumatoid Arthritis.  As stated above, there may be a link between those who have been exposed to the Epstein Bay Virus or possibly the Human Herpes Virus, as well as pregnancy.   But, there really isn’t any definitive explanation of what triggers the immune system’s inappropriate response to the body, or if there are some individuals that are pre disposed to Rheumatoid Arthritis, and why.  It has been shown though, that women make up 70% of those afflicted.

Do I Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

If you are experiencing some of the above mentioned symptoms you should call your physician and schedule an appointment.  If Rheumatoid Arthritis is suspected, your doctor will run a battery of tests, including blood tests and X-Rays.  There are several other illnesses such as Lyme Disease, Gout and Lupus that have similar symptoms to Rheumatoid Arthritis and, your physician will be able to distinguish between the diseases.

How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated and Cured?

Rheumatoid Arthritis can not be cured, but its progress can sometimes be slowed and its symptoms managed.  It is important to begin treatment as soon as possible as joint degeneration begins immediately, even though it may not be visible on an X-Ray.  Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments often include:

Pharmacological Treatment

Pharmacological treatment is the most common course of treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Because of its chronic nature, Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) are usually at least a part of the Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment.  In conjunction with DMARDs, many physicians will prescribe Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) as well as Analgesics.  These different medicines are needed because they each address a different part of Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment.  DMARDs address the degeneration of the joints while NSAIDS and analgesics address the pain and swelling that result from the current level of joint deterioration.

• Cortisone Therapy
• Low dose steroid treatments such as Prednisone can be prescribed to help slow joint deterioration, and can also help boost the effectiveness of DMARDs.
• Surgery – Surgery is sometimes the recommended treatment for Rheumatic Arthritis.  Arthroscopic Surgery can allow the surgeon to repair tears in the tissue, remove loose cartilage, smooth joints and other procedures that can help assist with Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment.  Joint replacement surgery, surgical replacement or reconstruction of a joint such as a knee or hip replacement, is also an option for treatment of severe cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
• Other Treatments – Weight loss can assist with relieving some of the pain caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis, as can occupational therapy.  It may also be helpful to obtain assistive devices.   But mainly, Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment consists of a combination of prescription medications including a DMARD to assist with slowing the progress of joint deterioration and an NSAID to address pain and discomfort.