A rheumatoid arthritis symptom may really be a cause for some concern. Like the other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis can cause you a lot of pain and discomfort. It can also limit your ability to move efficiently. This particular form of arthritis results in the deterioration of the lining of the joints. If you want to find out if you have it, you would have to consider a couple of symptoms.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Common sense will tell you that the most obvious symptoms will be felt and seen in the joints. Swelling in varying degrees will be obvious. This symptom is typically accompanied by stiffness and pain especially when the joints are moved or touched. All joints from the fingers to the shoulders may be visited by this condition. In very rare cases, organs may be affected too.

Aside from swollen joints, you could also suffer from a number of other symptoms. Bumps known as nodes may appear in some parts of the body. Flu-like symptoms are also common. One may experience fever and general fatigue. Sufferers also lose their appetite which may lead to weight loss.

The gradual progression of a rheumatoid arthritis symptom may happen across several months. Joint swelling and other symptoms usually fade away after a few days. They recur however after a period of time. Symptom recurrences are typically called flare ups. These flare ups can lead to the more serious condition of movement impairment.

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.

Treatment

Since the disease causes are not fully understood, there is no current cure for the condition. Doctors however still recommend some form of treatment. Certain medications can help reduce the symptoms, slow down damage and stop total disability. Some possible medications include NSAIDs, DMARDs, steroids and immunosuppresants. In some cases, the disease can be so severe that surgery is required.

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.

A rheumatoid arthritis symptom is something to worry about. This doesn't mean though that you can forget about leading a normal life. Your world doesn't have to end because of rheumatoid arthritis. As long as you follow your doctor's advice, you can deal with your condition effectively.