Rheumatoid Arthritis

I have recently spent some time researching Rheumatoid Arthritis. My mom has been  diagnosed with it and I thought what better reason to learn more about this chronic disease. This particular disease is classified as an auto-immune disease where the body is attacking itself specifically the joints. Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect your smaller joints first — the joints in your wrists, hands, ankles and feet. As the disease progresses, your shoulders, elbows, knees, hips, jaw and neck also can become involved. In most cases, symptoms occur symmetrically — in the same joints on both sides of your body.

Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity alternate with periods of relative remission, during which the swelling, pain, difficulty sleeping and weakness fade or disappear.

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. To date, the goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce joint inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent joint destruction and deformity. Early medical intervention has been shown to be important in improving outcomes. Aggressive management can improve function, stop damage to joints as monitored on X-rays, and prevent work disability. Optimal treatment for the disease involves a combination of medications, rest, joint-strengthening exercises, joint protection, and patient (and family) education. Treatment is customized according to many factors such as disease activity, types of joints involved, general health, age, and patient occupation. Treatment is most successful when there is close cooperation between the doctor, patient, and family members.

For an in depth look at this debilitating disease please visit the link below.
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/default.htm