RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Read More About Diseases and Conditions

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that primarily causes chronic inflammation of the synovium of joints along with other multi-system features.

Autoimmune refers to the idea that the body’s defense mechanism acts against the body’s own tissues.

Though believed to be a disease of the general population, Rheumatoid arthritis affects females far more than males.

It can affect persons of all ages, but it usually appears between 25 to 50 years of age.

In most cases, the cause of Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but it is thought to possibly be a genetic disease. There is also evidence that it might be related to infections and other environmental factors.

Some of the possible signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis include a low-grade fever, fatigue and tiredness, lack of appetite, pain in the joints, joint stiffness and deformity.
Morning stiffness of affected joint and subcutaneous nodules which are hard swellings just under the skin are also often present.

After a thorough history and physical examination, your doctor may suggest some of the following investigations:

• A Complete blood count.
• A blood test for the presence of RA Factor
• A blood test for ANA (anti-nuclear antibody).
• X-rays of the affected joint.
• Synovial fluid arthrocentesis (test of affected joint’s fluid).

Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to treat but its symptoms can be treated non-medically if the disease is not severe. The following methods can help to relieve some of the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis:

• Physiotherapy.
• Weight loss therapy in case of obese patients.
• Heat therapy.
• Cold therapy.
• Occupational therapy.

If above measures fail or if the disease is more severe, then medical treatment with medications might be necessary. Medications can be used to treat Rheumatoid arthritis. Some of these medications include:
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s):
• Corticosteroids
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs (DMARD’s):
• Anti-cytokines

Some of these medications not only relieve the symptoms but can also suppress the immune system and also slow down further progression of the disease.
If deformity occurs during the course of this disease, then surgery may become necessary to improve the patient’s quality of life.

For more information on Rheumatoid Arthritis and other Singapore Arthritis Resources, visit: Painrelief.com.sg, The National Arthritis Foundation and The Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (Singapore)

Article Source: http://depositarticles.com/

Dr Tan is principal physician at The Pain Relief Practice, a medical clinic in Singapore that uses a combination of conventional medicine and Cold Laser Therapy for the optimal treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Singapore.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Diseases and Conditions Articles Via RSS!

Additional Articles From - Home | Health | Diseases And Conditions

The Facts about Dessicated Thyroid - By : Alex Duran
Big Signs of Diabetes - By : Shelly Brown
Why Choose Florida Drug Rehab to Give Yourself a Second Chance! - By : William Burk
Ways of healing social anxiety - Find ways to challenge automatic negative thoughts - By : Randall Haddox
Niacin And Cholesterol: Ways Of Controlling Your Cholesterol Level - By : Hugh J. Lara
Information Of Causes Of Heart Disease - By : Benjamein Moore
Know About The Types Of Heart Disease - By : Benjamein Moore
The Most reasonable And effortless Ways to get Allergy Relief - By : Michael Kaine
Know About The List Of Heart Disease - By : Barbara
Nummular Eczema Treatment - By : Greg Kolesnik

Our other websites
All about SEO
Beauty Tips Forum

	Print This Article
	Post Comment
	Add To Favorites
	Email to Friends
	Ezine Ready

Submit Articles
Member Login
Link Us
Submission Guidelines
Ezine Notifications
Article RSS Feeds
Sitemap

New Stuff
About Us
Developer
Good shopping portal
Link to Us
Contact Us
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service