Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the joints in the human body. It is an anti-immune disorder where the immune system of the body mistakes the joint linings and attacks its own tissues which result in pain and swelling. The disorder can damage other parts of the body like skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels but it mainly affects the body symmetrically.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are
- Pain and swelling in joints and muscles
- Severe joint stiffness or weakness after inactivity (majorly in mornings)
- Weight loss, Fatigue, and Anaemia
- Flares and redness in skin
Treatment
There is no permanent cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis but the medication helps to control and prevent the further damage to the body. The medications help to reduce the inflammation, pain, and flares in the body. Some of the medications are Non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, etc. There are surgeries and therapies to reduce the inflammatory effect on the body.
Exercising, Applying Heating or Cold pads on affected areas and trying assistive devices helps the body to reduce the pain and maintain the mobility in the body.