Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is an autoimmune disease that affects the small joints of the hands, feet, wrists and elbows. Many times rheumatoid arthritis begins with a high fever with swollen, painful, stiff knuckles from an injury and even as an unexplainable rash appearing. However, you may also experience a decreased limit of motion or loss of function of your joints and limbs. Swelling of the lymph nodes that lingers for more days, as well as a loss of vision or eyes that are sensitive to lighting and show redness while being in pain, are other possible signs of RA to look for, and deserve immediate attention. Individuals who suffer from RA endure arthritis pain that may take medication or therapy and surgery to relieve. Other signs may include depression, anemia, reoccurring pain, redness and swelling.
The signs and symptoms of RA will vary from one individual to the next; however, there are symptoms and signs that are very common for rheumatoid arthritis. These signs and symptoms include, fatigue and Malaise, which is a general weakness of the body, low grade fevers, loss of appetite, flu like symptoms as well as aching and pain in the joints since the cartilage is being destroyed and possibly bone destruction. Stiffness in the joints and muscles as well as a loss of motion in the joints and strength of muscles are yet other symptoms of RA.
Other common signs may include dry mouth and eyes as well as hardened lumps and deformity of the joints. Since RA is a systematic disease, it begins to affect other organs of the body while also causing the body to attack the soft tissues and joints. Most often, the pain is worse upon getting out of bed, since the joints become stiff when you are immobile, however, upon moving around or exercising will help the joints to move with more ease and not be as painful as when arising from rest.
You should understand your prescription of medication for rheumatoid arthritis; you will need the name, dosage as well as the administration and scheduling for your medication. You will want to know what benefits it offers as well as its side effects, while learning the amount of time the medication should take effect for pain relief and when to contact your physician in case the medication brings no relief. The medications that are useful for rheumatoid arthritis are analgesics or painkillers; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs also known as NSAIDs and steroids. Be sure to consult with your physician when you are interested in any of the many treatments for relieving pain associated with RA.
You will also need to consult with your physician about any other types of drugs or natural arthritis pain relief you may want to try, before doing so. Although, there is no known cure for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, there are continuing research and studies ongoing daily to help find the causes and cures for those who suffer daily with this type of arthritis.
However, when you suffer from the affects of rheumatoid arthritis you should stay actively involved with eating a well balanced meal, getting enough exercising and doing the research to find out more about the symptoms of RA and what types of treatments may be best for you and your health needs as well as lifestyle.
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