| Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of chronic arthritis that | | | | well as the combination of factors, including: |
| occurs generally in the joints including the wrists, | | | | The precise location and symmetry of painful joints, |
| hands or knees on both sides of the body. It is the | | | | particularly the hand joints |
| occurrence in both sides of the body that helps | | | | Stiffness in the joints in the morning |
| distinguish rheumatoid from other types of arthritis, in | | | | Occurrence of rheumatoid nodules under the skin |
| which the joint inflammation is random. | | | | X-ray tests results suggest the presence of |
| Symptoms | | | | rheumatoid arthritis |
| Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include swelling and | | | | Treatment |
| pain in the joints, chronic fatigue and stiffness that is | | | | There are several different treatment methods for |
| more pronounced in the morning or after sitting for | | | | rheumatoid arthritis, including rest, medications, |
| extended periods of time. | | | | physiotherapy exercises and sometimes surgery to |
| Different people get affected differently. Most | | | | correct the damage to the joint. The treatment that |
| commonly, rheumatoid develops gradually over a | | | | is recommended depends upon the individual's age, |
| period of several years but in others joint symptoms | | | | overall health, severity of the arthritis and medical |
| may progress rapidly. Some people enter a period of | | | | history. |
| remission after having rheumatoid arthritis for a | | | | Medications - Narcotic pain relievers, anti-inflammatory |
| limited period of time. | | | | painkiller drugs, corticosteroids or topical skin relievers |
| Causes | | | | may be recommended for relief from the joint pain, |
| Though the exact cause of rheumatoid is yet to be | | | | swelling and stiffness that accompany rheumatoid |
| determined, it is thought to be brought on by a | | | | arthritis. |
| combination of hormonal, genetic and environmental | | | | Rest and Exercise - During worsening of the joint |
| factors. Rheumatoid arthritis is believed to be caused | | | | inflammation, also called flare-ups, it is best to rest |
| when an unknown entity triggers off the immune | | | | the inflamed joints either by use of joint splints or by |
| system causing it to attack the joints and sometimes | | | | using a cane. Monitored exercise programs |
| the organs. Some people have an inherited factor | | | | undertaken when joint inflammation is reduced helps |
| that increases their odds of developing rheumatoid | | | | maintain joint mobility and flexibility and strengthens |
| arthritis but the precise role that genetics plays has | | | | the surrounding muscles. |
| not yet been ascertained. | | | | Surgery may be necessary to help restore function |
| Diagnosis | | | | to a joint when the damage due to the arthritis has |
| The diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is based on the | | | | become very severe. |
| positive results of a rheumatoid factor blood test as | | | | |