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What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Some common complementary and alternative treatments that have shown promise for rheumatoid arthritis include: Thunder god vine. Preparations made from the peeled root of this plant are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Studies indicate that it may be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects include diarrhea, menstrual changes and hair loss.; Plant oils. The seeds of evening primrose, borage and black currant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage or interfere with medications, so...
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Also known as ra, arthritis - rheumatoid, arthritis, rheumatoid
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Rheumatoid Arthritis information from trusted sources:
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment ...
Review in-depth clinical information, latest medical news, and guidelines on rheumatoid arthritis. Read about managing rheumatoid arthritis through diet and ... Read more on
www.medscape.com
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Currently, rheumatic fever cannot be prevented, but research is underway to develop a vaccine which may be successful in preventing the condition in the future. Prompt treatment of a streptococcal throat infection with antibiotics will also help minimise the risk of the infection developing into rheumatic fever. Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Rheumatoid arthritis: Symptoms - MayoClinic.com
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include: ... Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. ... Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis and ...
Nov 29, 2010 ... What are the symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis? ... Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic ... Read more on
www.medicinenet.com
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment ...
Kidney problems in rheumatoid arthritis are much more likely to be ... Women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men. ... Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
About Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis - Osteoarthritis - Related ...
Nov 28, 2010 ... Information about arthritis pain relief, symptoms, medication, treatment, and diet. Information on various types of arthritis including ... Read more on
arthritis.about.com
Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview - WebMD
WebMD give you basic information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Read more on
www.webmd.com
Rheumatoid arthritis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Arthritis, Rheumatoid: eMedicine Emergency Medicine
Jun 15, 2010 ... Overview: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of undetermined etiology involving primarily the synovial ... Read more on
emedicine.medscape.com
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Aug 1, 2010 ... Rheumatology And Immunology Online Medical Reference - covering Definition through Treatment. Authored by William S. Wilke of the Cleveland ... Read more on
www.clevelandclinicmeded.com
Contents
Causes
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. We know how the condition attacks the joints, but it is not yet known what triggers the initial attack. Some theories have suggested that an infection or a virus may trigger rheumatoid arthritis, but none of these theories have been proven.
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www.nhs.uk
Complications
Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint damage that can be both debilitating and disfiguring. Damage to your joints may make it difficult or impossible to go about your daily activities. You may find at first that tasks take more energy to accomplish. With time you may find you are no longer able to do them at all. Newer treatments may stop joint damage or prevent it so that you can continue the activities you enjoy.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Coping and support
The degree to which rheumatoid arthritis affects your daily activities depends in part on how well you cope with the disease. Talk to your doctor or nurse about strategies for coping. With time you'll find what strategies work best for you. In the meantime, try to: Take control. With your doctor, make a plan for managing your arthritis. This will help you feel in charge of your disease. Studies show that people who take control of their treatment and actively manage their arthritis experience less pain and make fewer visits to the doctor.; Know your limits. Rest when you're tired. Rheumatoid arthritis can make you prone to fatigue and muscle weakness. A rest or short nap that doesn't interfere...
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www.mayoclinic.com
Diagnosis
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose because there are many conditions that cause joint stiffness and inflammation. Your GP will conduct a physical examination, checking your joints to see if they are swollen and to find out how easily they move. Your GP will also ask you about your symptoms. It is very important that you tell your GP about all of your symptoms, not just the ones you think are important. This will help your GP to make the correct diagnosis.
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www.nhs.uk
Exams and Tests
A specific blood test is available for diagnosing RA and distinguishing it from other types of arthritis. It is called the anti-CCP antibody test. Other tests that may be done include: Complete blood count ; C-reactive protein; Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ; Joint ultrasound or MRI ; Joint x-rays ; Rheumatoid factor test (positive in about 75% of people with symptoms); Synovial fluid analysis
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Lifestyle and home remedies
You can take steps to care for your body if you have rheumatoid arthritis. These self-care measures, when used along with your rheumatoid arthritis medications, can help you manage your signs and symptoms.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Medical advice
Call your health care provider if you think you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Outlook (Prognosis)
The course of rheumatoid arthritis differs from person to person. For some patients, the disease becomes less aggressive over time and symptoms may improve.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Possible Complications
Rheumatoid arthritis is not only a disease of joint destruction. It can involve almost all organs.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Preparing for your appointment
While you might first discuss your symptoms with your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a rheumatologist a doctor who specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions for further evaluation.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Prevention
Currently, rheumatic fever cannot be prevented, but research is underway to develop a vaccine which may be successful in preventing the condition in the future. Prompt treatment of a streptococcal throat infection with antibiotics will also help minimise the risk of the infection developing into rheumatic fever.
Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Risk factors
Factors that may increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis include: Sex. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men are.; Age. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but it most commonly begins between the ages of 40 and 60.; Family history. If a member of your family has rheumatoid arthritis, you may have an increased risk of the disease. Doctors don't believe you can directly inherit rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, it's believed that you can inherit a predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis.; Smoking. Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Quitting can reduce your risk.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Support Groups
Symptoms
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis tend to develop gradually, with the first symptoms often being felt in small joints, such as your fingers and toes.
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www.nhs.uk
Treatments and drugs
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Medications can reduce inflammation in your joints in order to relieve pain and prevent or slow joint damage. Occupational and physical therapy can teach you how to protect your joints. If your joints are severely damaged by rheumatoid arthritis, surgery may be necessary.
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www.mayoclinic.com