Arthritis is the general term which means inflammation of the joints. The inflammation is characterized by stiffness, pain, redness, and swelling of the affected area. Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that is classified as an autoimmune disease that affects the joints on both sides of the body this symmetry distinguishes this disease from other forms of arthritis.

This kind of arthritis affects 1 percent of the U.S population, which affects mostly women; however, men tend to be severely affected when they get this disease. The disease can manifest on any person between 25 and 50 years of age. It can progress rapidly, and on others, they experience it on a transient level and enter a period of remission.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but it is thought, that it may be due to the genetic makeup of the person, with the combination of environment and hormonal factors. That is why a person may become afflicted and prone to rheumatoid arthritis. There seems to be a trigger that sends signal to the brain specifically the immune system to attack the joints. Due to the increase of cells and inflammatory substance that is produce by the immune system, the joints becomes irritated, the cartilage weakens, which results in the narrowing of the space between the cartilage and the bones, thus the rubbing of the bones occurs.

The symptoms and pain varies from person to person, most often, the joints may feel stiff, painful, and warm to the touch, swollen, and inflamed. It may be a gradual manifestation on both the affected area, or it can attack suddenly. The inflamed joints are usually stiff after a prolonged period of inactivity or in the morning just after awakening.

People with this disease, usually feels tired and weak in the early afternoon. Treatment starts from simple, conservative measures such as rest and adequate nutrition to drugs and surgery. Often treatment starts with the least aggressive measures and moving to the more aggressive measure as the need implies.

The usual treatment is to rest the affected area or joints. Using the affected area aggravates the inflammation. Regular rest periods often relieves pain and total bed rest help relieve severe flare ups. A healthy diet and exercise can help in preventing sudden flares of rheumatoid arthritis and exercise help the joints to function normally and prevent stiffing.

Medicines can offer relief for swelling, joint pain, inflammation, and probably prevent the progression of the disease, which varies from natural to synthetic forms of medications. There are liniments, ointments and creams to relieve pain for mild attacks that gives instant relief.

Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirins, ibuprofen and naproxen, targets the pain and relieve swelling of the affected area. Also, there are drugs that work in blocking or suppressing the immune system that attacks the joints, this is a powerful drug that is often given on severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis and it should be closely monitored by the physician. There are invasive treatments that can help in the prevention of this disease like the Apheresis. It is a treatment that will remove the antibodies from the blood with the aid of the Prosorba. Prosorba is a cateter that is similar to the one used in dialysis, the Prosorba column is placed in the large vein and then harvesting of the antibodies is done, this type of treatment is done every 12 weeks.

Relief and management of this disease is available today. It is very important to consult your doctor and follow them carefully so that you can prevent the progression of the disease. Rest is very important also so that you can easily get back to your daily routine without medical aid.