ABOUT THE DISEASE
It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints. It occurs in joints on both sides of the body (such as both hands, wrists, and/or knees). This symmetric multiple joint involvement helps distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis. It may affect other organs too.
![Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis](https://www.ask4healthcare.com/healthcaresolutions/images/dis/rheumatoid_arthritis.gif)
CAUSES
The exact cause is unknown. It is an auto immune disorder, where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissues.
SYMPTOMS
- Joint Pain & swelling - especially hand and feet.
- Stiffness that is worse in the morning.
- Fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Low-grade fever.
- Firm lumps (rheumatoid nodules) that grow beneath the skin in areas such as the elbows and hands.
DIAGNOSIS
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Rheumatoid factor test
- Joint Ultrasound/X-ray
- MRI
- Anti CCP- antibody test
- CBC
- ESR
- C Reactive protein
TREATMENT METHODS
- Medications, eg.NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, COX2 inhibitors, DMARDs, Infliximab, etc.
- Rest and exercise.
- Physical therapy/occupational therapy.
- Surgery, eg. Synovectomy, Joint replacement
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