Arthritis Treatment Guide

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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that typically attacks the linings of the joints. If somebody has rheumatoid arthritis then the main symptom will be aching and painful joints. The disease can start by affecting any joint, but typically it will start attacking the smaller joints, your fingers for example. A curious thing is that the disease is symmetrical, if one finger hurts on your right hand then the same finger on your left hand will also probably hurt.

There are other symptoms that affect rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. An individual with RA may experience fatigue, they might be exhausted and not have enough energy to do anything. Your joints will typically be stiff, this is a direct result of the disease attacking your joints. Stiffness is particularly common first thing in the morning, but generally subsides, a general rule of thumb is that the longer you stay stiff for in a morning, the more advanced your disease is. A person with rheumatoid arthritis may feel weak and develop some symptoms like you would expect with flu. If a sufferer sits for a long time then they may start to experience some pain.

One fifth of people who have rheumatoid arthritis have what are known as rheumatoid nodules, these are lumps of tissue that are under the skin and are typically found on the elbows. The presence of these nodules could indicate much more severe RA activity.

Some sufferers also notice weight loss due to a loss of their appetite, depression and cold or sweaty hands or feet.

If you experience pain in three or more joints at the same time and you can’t explain why then go to see a doctor for a diagnosis. The pain can last all night long, perhaps preventing you getting a good nights sleep.

Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause the inflammation of other body tissues and organs. The tear glands around the eyes and the saliva glands can become inflamed causing dry eyes and a dry mouth.

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