Friday, February 10, 2012

Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

By David Yoshikawa


Rheumatoid arthritis carries with it the possibility that it can reduce the quality of life for those who present with the symptoms. In fact, this disease afflicts millions of people. Early rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include swelling and redness of at the small joints around the hands and feet.

Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with osteoarthritis which also causes stiffness and pain around the joints. Osteoarthritis is caused by the deterioration of the cartilage which provides cushioning of the bones at joints to prevent them from rubbing together. Rheumatoid arthritis pain is the result of inflammation of the membranes that lubricate joints. While you might think that the painful symptoms would be enough, suffers of rheumatoid arthritis often develop lumps and nodules under the skin of the joints.

Even though there has been lots of research studying the common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms in efforts to help prevent it from getting worse, more research must be conducted. Currently the only thing for doctors to do is diagnose and try to treat the symptoms.

Even though it is not fully understood what the cause of these symptoms are, the reasons for them are better known. Most researchers feel that it is a disruption of proper functioning of the auto-immune system. The auto-immune system is an important body function which helps to destroy harmful bacteria and viruses when they enter the body. When it is not working properly, the auto-immune system can turn on the body causing inflammation, joint stiffness and swelling. Other body parts can be affected as well.

One of the less common symptoms presented by those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation around the lining of the heart and lungs. Others experience inflammation of the salivary and tear glands, and rarely does it appear as inflammation of the blood vessels and the lungs. Rarely it can also cause inflamed blood vessels and the lungs Even though the most recognizable rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are confined to the joints, these other systems can also be affected and may be more likely to appear if treatment is deferred.

Most treatment options for the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis focus on reducing inflammation, pain and swelling. Drugs used for this purpose are typically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory in nature and can cause some very unpleasant side effects.

Most patients with this disease see rheumatoid arthritis symptoms exhibited in different intensities from one time to the next. While drugs have been the most often used treatment plan offered by most physicians, there are a number of natural treatments that are emerging today that offer great hope for those inflicted with this disease.

If you knew that you could treat this debilitating disease with something more natural that would not cause those unpleasant side effects wouldn’t you give it a try?




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