What is Rheumatoid Arthritis

One of the most common forms of arthritis is Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation that is created by auto immune disease where the body begins to attack itself from within. The joints, in rheumatoid arthritis are affected by the organs can be affected as well. Researches have tried to pinpoint one main reason why rheumatoid arthritis happens but they have not been able to do so. They have actually associated symptoms to it which may help them in the future determine what this happens to some people and not others.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are joint pain in all or any of the joints. Such as neck, hands, knees, wrists, elbows, feet and knees. Some joint swelling or even effusion may occur , joint stiffness may occur as well as red and warm on the affected area. Lastly, you may experience the restricted range of motion. It is more common for a patient of rheumatoid arthritis to experience morning stiffness than evening or nighttime. You may feel pain or aches in your hands and feet as well experience fatigue, rheumatoid nodules and some symmetrical joints that are located in both knees.

If you experience the symptoms then you must get tested. There is no lab test or even an X Ray that can diagnose someone with rheumatoid arthritis. They are many different test than can be done. Test results, a physical exam and medical history can help determine the rheumatoid arthritis. The lab tests that are done include what they call the rheumatoid factor, anti CCP test, C reactive protein test and a erythrocyte sedimentation rate. X Rays and MRI?s will be given as well.

When people get tested for rheumatoid arthritis they look for items we just described, about 30 percent of people who have tested positive for rheumatoid arthritis have actually tested negative for the rheumatoid factor. Currently about 3 percent of the people on the United States alone have been diagnosed.

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment for rheumatoid include medications are the first choice of all doctor?s . You will see a specialist called a Rheumatologist, he will set up a plan for treatment through oral medications such as Biologics, Analgesics for painkillers, Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs and Corticosteroids. If is very important for you to get tested and get diagnosed because other factors associated with Rheumatoid arthritis are heart disease and lymphoma.