It is really hard to believe but Rhematoid arthritis afflicts 2.1 million Americans. Rhematoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease. Rhematoid arthritis affects women three times more than men. Rhematoid arthritis is more common for people between the ages of 25 and 50. Rhematoid arthritis starts with a sudden and severe attack with flu-like symptoms. Rhematoid arthritis can affect any joint in your body.
Rhematoid arthritis is a deformity disease that often results in lots of inflamation and discomfort of the joints.
Because rhematoid arthritis is also known to be a systemic disease because it can and will effect other organs and tissues of the body other then the joints.
Rhematoid arthritis goes through three phases:
1. The first phase is characterized by swelling of the synovial linning creating pain and swelling of the joints.
2. The second phase results in rapid cell growth causing the synovial linning to thicken.
3. The rapid cell growth results in enzymes being released which then deforms the synovial linning and joints causing more pain and discomfort.
Genetics, Virus, bacteria, and fungi infections are suspected to trigger rhematoid arthritis, but have not been scientifically proven yet. At this point the cause of rhematoid arthritis is just speculation.
The Signs and Symptoms of Rhematoid Arthritis
The signs and symptoms of rhematoid arthritis vary from person to person, but here are some common signs and symptoms. You may have one or many and if you do, it would be worth going for a check up:
Aching in joints
Anemia
Bone destruction
Cartilage destruction
Decreased appetite
Deformity of joints
Dry eyes
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Flu-like symptoms
Hardened lumps
Loss of motion in joints
Loss of strength in muscles
Low-grade fevers
Malaise (general body weakness)
Pain in joints
Stiffness in joints
Stiffness in muscles
Swelling in joints
You may have rhematoid arthritis if the following items describe you:
1. Arthritis longer than 6 weeks.
2. Joint erosions apparent on X-rays.
3. Morning stiffness in the joints.
4. Positive blood test for the rheumatoid factor.
5. Presence of nodules under the skin.












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