Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes pain and swelling of your joints. This condition shows-up when your immunity cells fail to function normally. As they behave erratically, they harm the linings called synovium, present in your joints. People with rheumatoid arthritis tend to have their ankles and knees affected by it. Often times, both their hands and knees stand affected by this autoimmune ailment. There are also instances where RA has affected heart and blood circulation of patients. It is worth your while to know of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Your immunity cells are primed to work against foreign germs, dangerous external-substances, harmful matter like microbes - for example, bacteria. But in some individuals, their immunity systems – instead of fighting foreign matter - assumes your own healthier cells / tissues as germs. These cells produce inflammation-causing substances which do a lot of harm to your healthy tissues.
In case of rheumatoid arthritis, your immunity cells may start working to harm your synovium; this is a lining that makes a fluid to enable your joints to function without problems. Once the linings of your joints are swollen, they become thick and may soon develop pain. In most cases, your joints may become soft and may turn red. As a result, you face difficulties in using your joints.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA, in short) vary from one stage to another. Oftentimes, at a very initial stage, you are unlikely to experience inflammation of joints or reddening of such parts. But it is quite likely you may feel a softening of your joints coupled with some amount of pain emanating from the affected parts.
These symptoms are more pronounced once this autoimmune ailment progresses. You tend to feel stiffening of your knees or elbows and unmistakable discomforts like pain and inflammation. Most of these discomforts tend to persist for more than five weeks, continuously.
Also, painful joints and swelling may turn worse as soon as you get up from your bed, after a night’s sleep. Stiffening of muscles of your tendons may turn worse and such spells last persist for long. At a fairly-advanced stage of rheumatoid arthritis more than one part or joint may develop discomforts.
You are also advised to be watchful of pains / swelling of joints on the other-side of your body i.e., if your left knee is already affected, watch-out for changes in your right knee; or if your right wrist has developed RA, see if you sense possible discomforts on your left wrist!
Other symptoms of RA
The onset of RA may also show-up through other types of symptoms, sensed on various parts of your body. For example, your eyes may turn drier and may also become more sensitive to light. In some individuals – especially those living with mid-stage of RA - problems in viewing things clearly may arise.
Your oral parts – such as mouth, tongue, etc. may develop a feeling of dryness; in some, oral infections like thrush or inflammation of gums may show up. On your skin, nodules known as rheumatoid nodes – i.e., small sized-lumps may develop. These often show up underneath your skin that house bone below.
In case of the respiratory system, RA may cause scarring or internal swelling. These symptoms can make your breathing to become more-shallow – leading to shorter respiratory cycles. If left untreated, they may also turn into lung- related conditions or infections like pneumonia. RA may also cause an adverse impact on your arteries; blood vessels are likely to get damaged due to internal swelling.
It is quite likely RA to lead to a marked drop in the count of your red cells. This can make people with RA more vulnerable to anemia - especially a variant called sickle cell anemic condition. In general, RA may make it difficult for you to do your workouts or daily exercises. You may also put on a lot of weight; once you turn obese, there are other risks such as developing diabetes, having high levels of blood cholesterol, incidence of cardiac diseases, spike in blood pressure – to name a few.
How to treat the symptoms of RA?
There are treatments available for stopping the further progress of RA. Almost all treatment plans focus on bringing about needful relief from pains and also prevent further damage inflicted onto your joints. Short-term treatment plans include management of swelling / inflammation. You are advised to start treatments at an earlier phase to reduce the odds of the disease turning worse.
Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Treating rheumatoid arthritis alleviates pain and safeguards joints. Doctors usually start with anti-inflammatory medicines such as NSAIDs or DMARDs to slow the progression of the disorder. The PT (physical therapy) ensures that one's moving; lifestyle changes like mild exercise and a balanced diet are beneficial to joint health. Surgery may be needed in difficult situations. Every treatment plan is unique, designed for the patient's daily life, comfort, etc.
There are ways to prevent the symptoms from aggravating. You need to eat foods that help maintain your body mass index – BMI, in short - at an optimal level. It helps to pursue daily workouts or regular exercises. Cold compresses or warm baths can also help soothe painful joints and fatigued muscles. There are a few over the counter drugs of the topical kind; these are available as skin patches - which are to be stuck on the part of the body where pains are acute, gels as well as creams.
There are also pain-killing meds which can be taken through the OTC route. But it is always a good practice to talk to your treating doctor prior to using any of these products. Research says omega-3 fats – found abundantly in fish, oil extracted from fish, turmeric or curcumin are helpful in treating stiffened muscles and tissues, chiefly in the morning.
It is equally helpful to pursue stress-free living. It is a good practice to take deeper cycles of breathing and pursue mind-relaxation techniques like Tai chi, yoga, etc. People who live with the RA can also opt for massages; going for massages is a proven way to relieve pains and to relax your strained muscles. Acupuncture is another proven technique that helps; if you are averse to use of needles, pressure techniques can be pursued.
In general, you are advised to develop closer contacts with support groups; such practices can enhance a sense of joy and belonginess. More importantly, take time off to be spend quality-time with your family members; such moments can elevate your moods and enhance your emotional wellbeing.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.