COPING WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Arthritis generally, is an inflammation of one or more joints. In its most common and troubling forms arthritis may occur in several joints of the body as a long term condition that may cause progressive disability.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting about 80% of people over 65 years of age, although only 25% may actually have symptoms.

Rheumatoid arthritis is by far the more serious, painful and potentially crippling form of arthritis. It is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints, characterized by swelling, pain, stiffness and loss of function of the small joints of the fingers, shoulders, neck, elbows, knees and hips that may progress to other parts of the body. Not only is it chronic, rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by flare-ups and remission of symptoms. Women are three times as likely to get the disease as men, and the age of onset is usually 30-50 years. Other associated factors include improper treatment of injuries around the joints, genetic factor, environmental factors and infection.

Rheumatoid arthritis attacks the joints primarily, but may affect supporting connective tissue throughout the body causing fever, weakness, fatigue, and deformity. Destruction of cartilage, erosion of the bones and loss of use of the joint itself can occur over time.

Although no cure has been discovered, the disease can be controlled. Pain relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs are used, as well as programs of exercise, rest, heat and assistive devices to maintain joint motion and function.