Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling disease that affects young and old alike. Although there is no cure for this autoimmune disorder, there are a variety of treatment options, ranging from medication, to natural remedies, to lifestyle changes. Read on to learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, including symptoms, treatment options, and more.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, the exact cause of which is still unknown. It affects tissues and organs, and also the joints by systemic inflammation. Women are more prone to this disease than men, and it is estimated that around 1% of the total population of the world is affected by this common autoimmune disorder.

A problem in diagnosing this disease is that it is often misdiagnosed for other common problems. Unfortunately, this causes delay in proper treatment, and might cause inevitable and irreversible damage to the patient. The primary step in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is to review of all the symptoms with a doctor. This includes history of symptoms as well as current examination of the joints for swelling, tenderness, inflammation, and bumps as well as any deformity. A confirmed diagnosis typically involves blood tests as well as x-rays.

Two tests can play an important role in diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The first is known as the "rheumatoid factor test," and the second one is Anti-CCP antibody test. Other tests include a complete blood count, C-reactive protein, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, joint ultrasound or MRI, joint x-ray, and synovial fluid analysis. The results would indicate whether a patient is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, and at which stage of the condition it is found.

Once RA is diagnosed, treatment must be started immediately. Rheumatoid arthritis does not have any specific cure; however, a lifelong treatment is available in the form of medications, physical therapy, education, exercise and in some cases surgery. Early treatment can delay, and possibly stop, the destruction of joints. Treatment is often customized according to the condition of the patient, stage of the disease, disease activity, type of joints involved, age, health and occupation of the patient.

Methotrexate, Leflunomide and Sulphasalazine, which are disease modifying ant rheumatic drugs, are commonly prescribed at the early stages of the disease along with rest, exercises and anti-inflammatory drugs. Whereas pain and inflammation is catered to through the first line fast acting drugs, such as aspirin and cortisone.

When drugs don't seem to work, biologic agents might be used for the treatment of arthritis symptoms. These include white blood cell modulators such as Abatacept and Rituximab, Tumor necrosis factor inhibitors such as Etanercept, Adalimumab, Interleukin-6 inhibitors, such as Tocilizumab etc.

Surgery is used for damaged joints that might aim to remove the joint lining, total joint replacement etc. On the other hand, physical therapy and exercise help in keeping the muscles strong, and delay the loss of joint function.