What is rheumatoid arthritis? – This question is frequently asked and answered but is oftentimes mixed with much perplexity and confusion. A lot of internet sources and medical books have explained every fact pertaining to this illness. However, people seem to find a hard time understanding every medical term they read. Now, we will discuss what is rheumatoid arthritis in the simplest yet most comprehensive way.

More often than not, people think that rheumatoid arthritis is a very debilitating illness. The latter sentence may be true if the disease would come out in a severe form due to lack of compliance with the regimen recommended by physicians. The key to understanding what is rheumatoid arthritis may be possible through full acceptance that one is sick, and that one needs proper treatment.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? – The Description

When there is inflammation, swelling and tenderness of the joints, you call the condition as Rheumatoid Arthritis. The cause of the inflammation of these joints is unknown. However, there are factors which precipitate such condition, and these are: the body's own protection may counter attack the normal "fighting" cells themselves thus resulting to an inflammation, viruses are also known to lead to rheumatoid arthritis attacks; and, other diseases affecting the joints and bones may result to this state.

Since the exact cause is unidentified, eradicating the disease becomes impossible. The only available treatment is through supportive therapy and medication therapy. Also, one needs to modify their diet, lose some weight, and perform certain activities such as paraffin dips. What is rheumatoid arthritis cannot be fully understood in terms of its etiology; but a heap of scientifically proven facts are widely accessible to aid you in being more familiar with the disease.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? – The Facts

There are certain facts supplementing the knowledge on what is rheumatoid arthritis. These facts are based on research and scientific studies; some of the known truths about rheumatoid arthritis are: it is a disease afflicting all races and ages; excessive intake of red meat, smoking and heavy alcohol intake may precipitate the onset of the disease; high Vitamin C intake is a known helpful prevention factor; genes may increase the likelihood of acquiring the disease; and, medications are available to lessen the severity and eliminate joint inflammation.

Natural and complementary therapies are available for reducing pain. However, compliance with the medications is the number one priority in effectively eliminating the symptoms. Just remember that if you are levelheaded enough to follow what the doctors tell you, then you can still go on and lead a normal life.