One of the reasons rheumatoid arthritis is such a painful problem is that it is notoriously difficult to treat. And why, if we can put a man on the moon, can't we treat rheumatoid arthritis? Part of the reason is that the progression of rheumatoid arthritis is different for everyone, making the disease difficult to predict in its sufferers, let alone treat.

You Must Go To The Doctor

One thing that is known about the progression of rheumatoid arthritis is that can spread to other parts of your body, including your internal organs. There is even a lung disease called rheumatoid lung disease. You can't have the lung disease without having rheumatoid arthritis. This sinister progression of rheumatoid arthritis is why you cannot ignore it. You must go to your doctor for treatment as soon as possible.

Now, why does rheumatoid arthritis – a joint aliment – wind up harming the inner organs like the stomach, liver and lungs? This progress of rheumatoid arthritis about the body is due to a problem of the body's immune system. When the body is under attack from an infection or injury, it attacks the bad cells. However, it sometimes doesn't know when to stop and keeps on attacking the very body it was supposed to protect.

Sometimes even gastritis – an inflammation of the stomach – can trigger rheumatoid arthritis, which in turn can affect problems in the inner organs. This is one way the progression of rheumatoid arthritis happens. But this does not always happen for everyone. Still, you should go to your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Remission

Although remission is a term usually associated with cancer patients, it's also used in the cases of some sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. This is another way to look at the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Remission can happen in some people for months, some for years and for some, not at all.

There is a form of rheumatoid arthritis called "progressive rheumatoid arthritis", which is when there are no remissions. This, unfortunately, is the most common kind of rheumatoid arthritis that affects people. However, there are treatment options, both in conventional and alternative medicines.

Rheumatologists

Although sometimes a general doctor might be able to help slow down your progression of rheumatoid arthritis, you usually need to see a specialist called a rheumatologist. Then you need to get periodic x-rays and tests and a lot of medicine. The rheumatologist can sometimes help you find alternative medicine practitioners like acupuncturists or nutritionists.