Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis
October 6, 2009
There are several types of arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is one of them. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Compared to men, women are more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis.
Adults between 35 and 50 years of age are usually affected by this condition. However, children and teenagers can also suffer from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes rheumatoid arthritis occurs in elderly men and women. Nearly 1 percent of the global population suffers from this disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Heredity, hormonal imbalance and viral and bacterial infections might cause this disease. The immune system of the body considers the joint tissues as foreign objects. Faulty signals emitted by the immune system triggers formation of specialized immune cells and chemicals that attack the tissues of the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
The common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are stiffness, inflammation and pain in joints. Usually the joints of the hands and legs are affected by this disease. Sometimes shoulder, hip and jaws could be affected by rheumatoid arthritis.
People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for a prolonged period might experience rheumatoid arthritis in the vertebrae of the neck. This disease might occur in two or more joints. Nodules might appear on or around the joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients could also suffer from fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, weakness, weight loss and muscle aches. Rheumatic arthritis is known as a systemic disease. Other than the joints, this autoimmune disease could cause damage to the musculoskeletal structure, skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive tract, blood vessels, eyes and the nervous system.
Rheumatoid arthritis home remedies
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, which could not be completely cured. However, medications could help to reduce the symptoms of the disease. To reduce joint stiffness and to increase joint mobility, rheumatoid arthritis patients should regularly exercise.
Endurance exercises such as cardio and aerobic exercises, mild strengthening exercises and range-of-motion exercises are helpful for rheumatoid arthritis patients. By maintaining a proper balance between moderate exercise and rest, the pain and inflammation associated with the disease could be kept under control.
Walking and swimming is beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis patients. However, heavy impact exercises such as running or skipping are harmful for the joints. Slow motion exercises such as Tai Chi could help people suffering from this painful disease. Omega-3 fatty acid present in fish oil could prevent joint inflammation. There should be enough vitamin C and calcium in the diet of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
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