Rheumatoid Arthritis at an advanced stage will result in decreased quality of life, therefore we must be aware of the early symptoms of this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the joints in a long time (a disease that occurs when the body is attacked by its own immune system). This disease attacks the joints, usually regarding a lot of joints, characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane and joint structures as well as muscle atrophy and bone thinning.
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| Illustration of Rheumatoid arthritis |
Common types of arthritis such as:
- Osteoarthritis: Caused by loss of bone tissue of the joints and is also known as degenerative arthritis. This mostly occurred since the previous age.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This type of arthritis affects people over the age of 40 years. This is more dangerous than osteoarthritis because it affects the ligaments and tendons that join the bones and muscles.
- Gout: Caused by excess uric acid buildup in the space between the joints that causes pain and inflammation of the joints.
Early Symptoms of Arthritis
Various symptoms of arthritis include:
- Pain in the joints
- Swelling of joints
- Restrictions on movement
- Joint stiffness
Rheumatoid arthritis is different effect on each person. In some people, joint symptoms develop gradually over several years. Whereas in some others, rheumatoid arthritis may develop rapidly. and there also may have rheumatoid arthritis for a certain period and then entered a period of remission.
Who Can Affected Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States. The disease is two to three times more common in women than in men. But the man who has the disease tends to impact more severe. Rheumatoid arthritis usually occurs in middle age, but children and the elderly also can develop rheumatoid arthritis.
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known for sure, but suspected the disease is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal. In rheumatoid arthritis, there are some things that trigger the immune system to attack the joints and sometimes other organs. Some theories suggest that there is a virus or bacteria may alter the immune system, causing the immune system to attack the joints. Another theory suggests that smoking can lead to getting rheumatoid arthritis.
Research has not fully determine exactly what role genetics play in rheumatoid arthritis. However, some people seem to have a genetic or hereditary factors increase the susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Be Cured?
Although there is no medicine to cure rheumatoid arthritis, but the early and aggressive treatment has been shown to help prevent disability.