Rheumatoid Arthritis is a common Rheumatological condition in the community. It affects 1% of the population in
Rheumatoid arthritis is an
autoimmune disease that attacks the joints. Although it shares some symptoms
with osteoarthritis, the type of arthritis that usually occurs in older people
due to wear and tear on joints, there are some key differences. Rheumatoid
arthritis can attack at any age, can come on rapidly, and may be accompanied by
other symptoms, such as fatigue.
- The other important symptom in the disease is early morning stiffness in the joints. The early morning stiffness in the joints usually lasts for more than one hour. Rheumatoid Arthritis usually affects the same joint on both sides of the body, for e.g., arthritis affecting the left and right wrist. Rheumatoid Arthritis starts in the small joints of the hands and feet, later affect the big joints like knees and hips.
- In the normal joint end of the each bone is covered with healthy cartilage, which will be eroded in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A membrane, called synovium surrounds the joint, which will be inflamed and thickened in Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Inflamed synovium secrets more synovial
fluid in to the joints, causing swelling and pain in the joint. In a healthy
joint cartilage provides smooth slippery surface, which helps free joint
movement and the synovial fluid, acts as lubricant.
Sometimes patient notice
nodular swellings over the elbows these are called Rheumatoid Nodules, which
are very characteristic of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis rarely
affects other parts of the body e.g., lungs, blood vessels and eyes etc.
IF YOU NOTICE ABOVE SYMPTOMS, CONSULT DOCTOR IN YOUR REGION IMMEDIATELY....................
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