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• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, inflammation, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints. It affects more than 2 million people in the United States, mostly women. www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/default.htm Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that attacks the lining of the joints eventually causing deformity. The most common joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the wrists and fingers. Successfully managing Rheumatoid arthritis depends on early diagnosis, dietary changes, a gradual exercise program and in some cases aggressive treatment.

• Symptoms and Complications

  Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain and inflammation in the joints, joint stiffness, fever, fatigue and weight loss. Everyday chores become increasingly difficult. due to joint damage and disfigurement. As the disease progresses, you may find you can not do some of the normal things you used to do at all.

• Exercise and Symptom Abatement

  Research suggests as little as 3 hours of physical therapy and exercise over 6 weeks will help people with RA, and that these benefits are sustained. The exercises increase the range of motion, strength, endurance and mobility, promote a sense of well-being, and improve general health measures.

  The program starts with easy exercises such as stretching and tensing of muscles around the joints while limiting movement. Next, you can work on light strength training. Then you can do mild, but aerobic exercises such as walking, dancing, swimming, qigong or Tai Chi. Qigong movements are simplified forms of Tai Chi that are easy to learn but have many of the benefits of Tai Chi.

  It is important to stop doing an exercise if it is causing pain. If nagging joint pains continue after an exercise, decrease the duration of the exercise the next time. http://www.umm.edu/patiented/articles/what_lifestyle_changes_can_help_manage_rheumatoid_arthritis_000048_10.htm

• Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

  The primary goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation and relieve the patient of their symptoms. In recent years, a number of studies have suggested that the omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties useful for RA joint pain relief. The best source of fish oil is through increased consumption of fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. Fish oil supplements are another option, but they may interact with certain medications. If you are thinking of trying fish oil supplements, talk to your doctor first.

  Ointments such as Ben Gay and capsaicin (from chili peppers) can increase blood circulation and soothe the joints

  Common pain relief treatments used for rheumatoid arthritis are pain relievers and NSAIDS, which is a pain reliever and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, and in some cases surgery.

• Fast Facts

  1. Also called RA
  2. 1% of Americans affected
  3. More common in women
  4. In some cases affects children and is known as Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
  5. Age begins: 25 to 55
  6. Cause unknown
  7. Different from osteoarthritis
  8. Can affect any joint
  9. Most common in wrists and fingers
  10. No single test can identify RA
  11. Hands may become bent or twisted
  12. Lifelong disease
  13. Take medications as directed
  14. To much medication can cause side effects

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, please consult your doctor.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Arthritis | Osteoarthritis | Gout | Autoimmune Disease | Chronic Pain | Pain | Enbrel | Raynaud's Disease | Plaquenil (Hydroxychloroquine) | Scleroderma | Eczema | Epilepsy | Purple Glove Syndrome | Knee Treatment | Benlysta

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