Rheumatoid Arthritis Information
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common joint problem and is caused by the body's immune system attacking the joints. It is totally different from the more common osteoarthritis, though both conditions can occur at the same time.
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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common joint problem in the UK, affecting 1 in 50 people, and is more common in women than men. It tends to effect people in their 30s and 40s, but it can start at any age. It is totally different from the more common osteoarthritis, though both conditions can occur at the same time.
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammation of the joint. This reaction is triggered by the body's immune system attacking the lining of the joint. It is not known exactly why the body attacks its own tissues in this way, but it may share its cause with other diseases where the body attacks its own tissues such as low thyroid levels and type 1 diabetes . These are called auto-immune diseases. The first time rheumatoid arthritis strikes can be linked to a triggering event such as a blood transfusion, pregnancy or another illness. After that it can flare up after a mild illness, stress or injury.
A joint is made up of two bone ends, each covered with cartilage to cushion them. If this cartilage becomes thin or damaged it causes osteoarthritis . The joint is surrounded by a cover, called the joint capsule. The joint capsule is lined on the inside by a tissue called the synovium, which produces a lubrication fluid in which the joint works, and which provides essential nourishment for the cartilage. Inflammation of the synovium tissue on the inside of the joint capsule is the first stage of inflammation, and it becomes thickened, hot and swollen. It also produces more of the lubricating fluid, which causes the joint to swell, and become stiff and painful to move. The skin over the joint looks red and feels hot and tender to touch. There is often pain at night and sleep may be disturbed. Early morning stiffness lasting several hours is a characteristic diagnostic feature, but may improve with activity.
Rheumatoid arthritis tends to come and go but if it continues for months or years it can damage the cartilage and bone underneath, and the joint becomes deformed and does not work as well. It can also effect the rest of the body as chemicals are released into the blood stream. This can make you feel ill, and cause tiredness, high temperature and loss of weight.
Nutrition can play a part in the triggering of this auto-immune response, and the rich western diet containing high levels of meat, dairy products and saturated fats may play a part in triggering the inflammation. Better diets with more fruit and vegetables may be helpful.
Rheumatoid arthritis should be treated by a doctor who would start with anti-inflammatory pain killers such as ibuprofen, and progress to stronger anti-inflammatories as necessary. If damage to the joints is likely your doctor or rheumatologist may use disease-modifying drugs to control the auto-immune reaction.
Becoming an 'expert patient' really helps. The more you can do to find out about your condition by reading any literature your doctor or rheumatologist recommends, the better you will be at managing your own condition. Rheumatoid arthritis is one area where you need to actively manage your own condition. This will help you far more than sitting back and letting things happen.
Rest is important, and support for the joints may be a good idea. Physiotherapy may be needed to treat the swollen joints and to explain the best exercises to keep the joints mobile, and strengthen muscles that support the joints.
Complementary treatments for rheumatoid arthritis are very popular, and most people try them, because rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that can not usually be cured by your doctor. Three types of supplements are popular:
- Multivitamins and minerals help to correct nutritional deficiencies which even the best diets have difficulty in achieving.
- Antioxidant supplements help to minimize the tissue damage caused by free radical attack of the joint tissues by the highly active fluid produced by inflammation in the joint. High doses of Vitamin C and Vitamin E help as supplements in addition to a good diet.
- Anti-inflammatory supplements help to control the inflammation in the joint. Cod Liver Oil or the newer Fish Oils provide Omega-3 unsaturated fats to help control inflammation. MSM is a newer supplement which may help to control inflammation, and also the pain. Ginger has also been used.
Look after your general health even more now. Proper exercise is important. Proper nutrition is important. Vitamin and mineral supplements may be considered.
Food sensitivities and allergies have been implicated in triggering rheumatoid arthritis. It may be worth having a food intolerance test, or having a trial period without trigger foods. Wheat and dairy foods have been quoted by some nutritionists as possible culprits for some people. It is important to do this in a way that your total nutrition does not suffer.
And if things get you down speak to your doctor, because however strong you think you are, it is easy to become depressed if you are often in pain.
Can you prevent rheumatoid arthritis? Some things will minimize your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, but you can not guarantee that you will never get it. Healthy eating is important, and exercise to keep active and fit, without overdoing it. Keep to a normal weight . Try not to damage joints by injury or overuse. Handle stress in a way that does not damage your body.
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