Arthritis is a body condition that causes swellings in joints and muscles. Arthritis, the word itself is an umbrella term that stands for hundreds of conditions that affect the joints, and connective tissues. Various symptoms are associated with each condition of arthritis but the pain in the joints and stiffness are common symptoms for all types of arthritis. It is a very common condition among humans. It can be treated but not cured. Complete curing is not possible for arthritis.
The main reason for arthritis is a defect in our immune system where the body attacks its tissues in the joints. Sometimes, it is generated genetically too. A person with a family history of arthritis can get arthritis from the genes.
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
It is an autoimmune and inflammatory condition where the body attacks its cells that are healthy in the affected area which causes extreme pain and inflammation in the affected area. The main point is that Rheumatoid arthritis or RA attacks many joints at the same time. Hands, wrists and knee joints are the ones that are commonly affected by RA. In an individual affected with RA, the lining of the joints will get inflammated resulting in the inflammation of the joint and extreme pain. It also damages the joint tissues. Along with the pain, sometimes it could also result in loss of balance/ unsteadiness and deformity in some individuals.
Another thing to remember where Rheumatoid arthritis is concerned is that. If didn’t treat properly it could also affect the other tissues in the body which could result in the damage to lungs, heart and eyes.
Main signs and symptoms
There are many signs and symptoms in the body that will help us in the early detection of Rheumatoid arthritis. The following are the important signs and symptoms of RA;
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Pain in more than one joint
- Stiffness in joints
- Tenderness in many joints
- Swelling of more than one joint
- Experiencing the same symptoms in both hands and knees
The above are the main symptoms and signs associated with Rheumatoid arthritis.
Risk factors that cause the development of RA in the Human body
There are many risk factors that result in the development of Rheumatoid arthritis. It involves both genetic and environmental factors.
The following are some of the risk factors associated with the development of rheumatoid arthritis in the body;
1. Genes/ traits: Generics play a crucial role in the development of RA. There is certain specific kind of genes called HLA Class II Genotypes (human leukocyte antigen). When people born with these gene types are exposed to environmental factors like smoking or when a person is obese, the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis increases considerably.
2. Age: Age is one of the important risk factors in RA. The studies prove that the possibility of developing rheumatoid arthritis increases with the age. People in the age group sixties are more vulnerable to this condition.
3. Sex: The studies shows that women are more vulnerable to getting affected by RA than men.
4. Smoking: Smoking is one of the environmental factors that makes a person more vulnerable to RA. RA will get worsen for people with a Smoking habit. They are more prone to this condition than others.
5. Obesity: In an obese person, the chance of getting RA is more than in others. As the weight of the body increases so does the chance of getting Rheumatoid arthritis.
The above are some of the risk factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
The diagnosis of the Rheumatoid arthritis
1. Physical examinations/ tests
2. Reviewing symptoms
3. X-Ray
4. Lab tests
The treatment of RA Treatment is possible for rheumatoid arthritis even though complete curing is not possible. Getting treatment is very helpful for lessening the pain and swelling of the joints and tissues. Both medications and self-management strategies are needed for the effective treatment of RA. Medications are there which will slow down the condition. There are certain self-management strategies like exercises and appropriate diet.
