Rhumatoid arthritis
Rhumatoid arthritis is a chronic painful involving swelling of the joints. It affects many people and whilst there is no recognized cure, there are many treatments that can alleviate the symptoms to a greater or lesser degree.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include redness and swelling of the joints. They are often painful and stiff. It is common for the stiffness to be worse in the morning but to get better once the sufferer has got up and moved around. There may also be constitutional symptoms such as tiredness, anemia and occasionally fever.
The causes of the disease are not fully understood, but it is generally believed to be an autoimmune disease. This is a disease where the bodies own defence mechanism starts to attack itself by mistake. There are various theories as to why this may occur. One is that following an infection the body creates antibodies to fight the infection. But these antibodies are not specific enough and end up damaging the body organs.
The patients who are affected by rhumatoid arthritis tend to be women (by about 3 to 1) and in middle age. Any joints can be affected but it is most commonly seen in the hands, wrists feet and knees. Unlike osteoarthritis, it is less commonly seen in the hips, shoulders and lower spine.
There are a number of treatments that are available to patients. These include pharmaceutical drugs as well as a range of supplements and alternative medicines.
NSAIDS or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a common treatment that is used by doctors and is often the first line products that are used. These can be in a topical form or taken orally.
If the response to NSAIDS is poor, your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids that are more powerful drugs that reduce inflammation and swelling.
Supplements that have been claimed to be effective include cod liver oil. This product does have an anti inflammatory effect on the body
Physiotherapy is often used with rhumatoid arthritis patients. A program of exercises can be formulated that help to keep joints mobile and maintain the function of the muscles that control them.