Rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation of joints. The chronic condition mostly affects fingures, toes, knees and ankle joints. If untreated eyes, skin, heart, blood vessels, salivary glads, kidneys and lungs will be damaged.
Its occurrence is because of the immune system attacking the body tissues. The lining of joints is damaged and the affected area has a painful swell, becomes red and it feels warm. This is inflammation. Small joints are affected in mild arthritis and big joints in severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Here are some signs that can tell you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis:
- Warm, red and swollen joints.Stiffness of the joints. It is especially painful in the morning.
- Catching a fever.
- Feeling tired (fatigue).
Rheumatoid Arthritis risk factors:
- Women are the most affected because of their hormonal imbalances. They are at a high risk of getting affected when they take contraceptives.
- The condition is generic so you are at a high risk of getting the disease if your family members have the disease.
- The elderly are at the risk of suffering from the disease as compared to young people.
- Tobacco smoking increases the severity of the disease especially for those who acquire it genetically.
- Overweight and obesity.
Treatment:
- Take NSAIDS to reduce or stop inflammation. Aspirin is the best NSAID for rheumatoid arthritis but a physician has to prescribe it.
- Dieting to shed off the excess weight.
- Exercising to shed off weight.
- Avoid tobacco at all cost.
wawirarutere 