|
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that
occurs when the lining of the joints - the synovium - becomes inflamed.
This inflammation causes the synovium to thicken. Fluid is produced
by the joint lining, which causes swelling and stiffness. Organs
other than the joints can also be affected in RA and people with
RA often have generalised symptoms such as fatigue, low-grade fever
and muscle aches.
RA most commonly affects joints of the fingers and toes, wrists,
elbows, shoulders, some joints in the neck, jaw, hips, knees, ankles
and feet. The same joints are usually affected on both sides of
the body.
What causes RA?
Exactly why certain people develop RA is not known. Researchers
currently believe that a person's genetic makeup might make them
more susceptible to developing RA.
The symptoms of RA
RA is known as an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases develop
when the immune system of the body is stimulated either by genetic
or environmental factors, resulting in a dramatic response. The
immune system starts to react against certain parts of the body,
and in doing so causes the inflammation that is responsible for
the symptoms of RA.
The symptoms of RA may be confined to the joints or affect other
parts of the body.
Symptoms in the joints
If RA is not treated effectively, persistent inflammation can damage
nearby bone, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. The joints may change
shape or movement may become very difficult and painful.
Symptoms other than the joints
RA most commonly affects the joints although symptoms in other parts
of the body may also occur. These include:
General feelings of fatigue, loss of appetite or fever.
Tiredness and lethargy, which may be due to anaemia (a drop
in the number of red cells in the blood).
Rheumatoid nodules. These small lumps underneath the skin
are almost always harmless but can cause discomfort if they are
in places where they are bumped or rubbed.
Dry eyes and mouth. This happens when the tear and salivary
glands become inflamed.
Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs. This occurs when
nerves and their surrounding tissues become inflamed.
Chest pains with deep breaths. This is usually due either
to inflammation of the lining of the lungs or arthritis in the joints
between the collarbones and chest bone.
Ulcers or splinter-like lesions appearing on the skin. These
are signs of the rare condition called vasculitis, which occurs
when the blood vessels become inflamed. Vasculitis may also affect
the internal organs.
Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis
The symptoms of RA are often very similar to other conditions. Your
doctor will ask you about your symptoms - which joints are affected,
when you experience pain and how long the pain lasts. You will also
be asked questions about your medical history and that of your family.
You will undergo a physical examination, where your doctor will
examine your joints and assess your general health. Your doctor
will then carry out several laboratory tests to help confirm the
diagnosis.
What does the future hold?
RA is an unpredictable disease. In some people, it is mild with
periods of increased disease activity called flares. In others,
the disease is active all the time and may get progressively worse.
About one in 10 people with RA have a single episode of joint inflammation
followed by a long-lasting remission where they experience no symptoms.
At present there is not cure for RA but with the appropriate medication
the symptoms can be well controlled. There are many things you can
do to help yourself. (See Information Sheet: Rheumatoid Arthritis
No. 2. Non-drug therapy / lifestyle modifications)
Can people with RA have children?
RA should not prevent you from having a child. You should discuss
pregnancy with your doctor before attempting to conceive, as many
of the medications used to treat RA are harmful to an unborn child.
Men with RA need to consult their doctor if they are considering
fathering children as some medications can adversely affect the
baby via the father's sperm.
Diet and nutrition
While there is no specific diet that is of proven benefit in RA,
you should try to maintain a healthy, low-fat diet Ensure you have
enough calcium in your diet, as people with RA, especially women,
are at an increased risk of osteoporosis.
Surgery
In some cases, it is beneficial to undergo surgery on severely damaged
joints or those that are causing a lot of pain. Doctors who specialise
in bone and joint surgery can perform joint replacements.
The information presented is not intended to replace the medical
advice of your doctor or health care provider. Arthritis SA recommends
that you consult your doctor about specific medical conditions.
Other information and resources available
from Arthritis SA
Rheumatoid Arthritis No. 2 Fact Sheet : Non-drug therapy/lifestyle
modifications.
Rheumatoid Arthritis No 3 Fact Sheet.: Drug therapy
• Email advisors@arthritissa.org.au
(please include your postal address in email)
Telephone Advisory Service
9.30am - 3.30pm, Mon - Fri
8379 5711 or country free call on 1800 011 041
Library
Arthritis and Rheumatism by Andrei Calin and John Cormack,
1996
Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis by Robert Phillips, 1988
Borrowing privileges extend to members only
Book Sales
Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions by Kate Lorig,
Halsted Holman, David Sobel, Diana Laurent, Virginia Gonzalez and
Marian Minor, 2000
Rheumatism, a consumer's guide by Geoffrey Littlejohn, 1989
For price and order details please contact Arthritis SA
8379 5711 or country free call on 1800 011 041
Email info@arthritissa.org.au
(please include your name and business hours phone number in email)
Video & DVD Sales
Tai Chi for Arthritis 2, by Dr Paul Lam, 2001
Exercise beats arthritis, 1993 (Video only)
For prices and order details please contact Arthritis SA
8379 5711 or country free call on 1800 011 041
Email info@arthritissa.org.au
(please include your name and business hours phone number in email)
Moving Towards Wellness Course
6 weeks x 2.5 hours
click here "Self Management
Courses" for further information
|
