What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It is one of many different types of arthritis. Doctors and nurses do not know what causes it. But they do know that it happens when the body’s infection-fighting system, called the immune system, "attacks" the joints.
How can I tell whether I have rheumatoid arthritis or another type of arthritis?
You cannot tell. Only a doctor or nurse can tell you that. But there are some clues to look for. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis usually starts by affecting the small joints in the fingers, the balls of the feet, and the wrists. It usually affects both the left and the right side at the same time.
If your doctor or nurse tells you that you have rheumatoid arthritis, start treatment right away. Do not wait until your symptoms get worse. Getting treated early can help prevent a lot of the damage the disease can do to your body.
What happens as rheumatoid arthritis gets worse?
Even though it may start in the fingers and toes, rheumatoid arthritis can affect any of the joints. Sometimes it damages the joints forever. Plus, rheumatoid arthritis can cause problems in other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, or eyes. Doctors and nurses have no way of knowing which people will get which symptoms or how bad the symptoms will get.
What are the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
There are dozens of medicines for rheumatoid arthritis. The right one for you will depend on:
- How bad your symptoms are.
- How many of your joints are affected.
- How your disease has changed over time.
- What side effects you feel with the medicines you try.
- What your X-rays look like.
- The results of certain blood tests.
Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better?
Yes. It is very important that you stay active. You may want to avoid being active because you are in pain. But that can make things worse. It will make your muscles weak and your joints stiffer than they already are. A physical therapist can help you figure out which exercises will do the most good.
Another thing you can do to on your own is to eat a healthy diet. People with rheumatoid arthritis are at risk for heart disease, so avoid fatty foods. Instead, eats lots of fruits and vegetables.
