By Kaye Fretz

Is a rheumatoid arthritis symptom a cause for serious concern? The answer is a definite yes. Other forms of arthritis are equally worrisome. Like them, rheumatoid arthritis can be painful and debilitating and may even cause you depression. The disease affects the joint linings but other symptoms may affect the rest of the body. You should find out through your symptoms if you have this condition.

Your Symptoms

Since the joints are affected, they are of course the parts that will show symptoms too. People with the condition have joints that swell and stiffen. This can result in tenderness and pain that will vary from one person to another. Aside from your elbows, knees and fingers, other larger joints may also be affected. These include neck and shoulder joints. Symmetrical swelling of joints typically happens.

The disease has other symptoms beyond joint swelling. Some who have it may develop nodules or differently sized bumps in various areas of the body. Many individuals also experience symptoms similar to flu. They may suffer from fever, fatigue, weight loss and a lack of appetite.

A rheumatoid arthritis symptom may come out after a couple of months. Symptoms do not stay forever. They often appear, disappear and then reappear again. When symptoms are apparent, it is known as a flare up. Through time the symptoms may lead to more painful sensations and difficulty in movement. Unchecked and untreated rheumatoid arthritis can be seriously disabling.

Disease Causes

It’s hard to pinpoint what is responsible for the disease. It is possible though that genetic inheritance and lifestyle factors may play roles in it. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease. The white blood cells of the immune system mistakenly affect the lining of the joints. The interaction of the cells and tissues results in the discharge of protein which is what causes thickening of joint linings. Women and those above 40 seem to be more at risk of developing the disease than men and younger people.

Treating the Disease

No specific, scientifically proven treatment can cure rheumatoid arthritis. Certain medications though, such as NSAIDs and immunosupressants may be recommended. These medicines will reduce the pain and swelling in your joint. They also eventually holdup damage to the joints and neighboring tissues. These medicines however have side effects. If you have a very serious case, your doctor may have to perform surgery on your joint.

Medical treatment and procedures aren’t the only things you need to think about. Those who have the condition will also be given advice about diet and exercise. Certain healthy foods and special exercises may be recommended to help you ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, all aspects of unhealthy living should be avoided such as smoking and extreme stress.

Your rheumatoid arthritis symptom may be truly bothersome. For some, the idea that symptoms can lead to disability may be scary. There is no reason to believe though that life has to stop because of the disease. You can still live a happy and normal life is you take your medication as indicated and keep to a clean lifestyle.

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