Jamie Baker
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a
chronic disease, maily characterized by inflamation of the lining, or
synovium, of the joints. This disease can lead to long-term joint
damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function, and disability.
Interesting Facts about Rheumatoid
Arthritis:
* Affects 2.1 million
Americans
* Women are 2.5 times more likely to have RA then men
* Usually occurs at middle age, but can appear even in late twenties
* Significant joint damage occurs within the first two years
* RA acciounts for 22% of the deaths from Rheumatic Diseases
* Can be found in young children (juvenile RA)
* Women are 2.5 times more likely to have RA then men
* Usually occurs at middle age, but can appear even in late twenties
* Significant joint damage occurs within the first two years
* RA acciounts for 22% of the deaths from Rheumatic Diseases
* Can be found in young children (juvenile RA)
Jeuvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Symptoms
of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
* Symptoms
usually
begin in the smaller joints of the fingers, wrists and
feet* Fatigue
* Loss of appetite
* Constant low-grade fever
* Stiffness
* Nodules form over the joints that are exposed to pressure (ex. elbows)
* Over time, the damage may lead to joint deformaties
Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
*
The cause of RA is not known, but it is speculated that genetics and immunity
plays a role
Xray of normal hand (left) and RA hand (right)
Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
* Related to the
family of arthritis known as inflamatory
arthropathies
* It is recommended that a patient see a rheumatologist
to ensure that rheumatoid arthritis is the correct diagnosis
* Xrays, sonograms, or magnetic resonance imaging
is used to detect the degree of joint damage
* The antibody rheumatoid factor which is found in
80% of RA patients can be detected by a simple blood test
* It is recommended that a patient see a rheumatologist
to ensure that rheumatoid arthritis is the correct diagnosis
* Xrays, sonograms, or magnetic resonance imaging
is used to detect the degree of joint damage
* The antibody rheumatoid factor which is found in
80% of RA patients can be detected by a simple blood test
Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis:
* There is no cure for
RA, but the goal of treatment
is to manage the joint pain and swelling
* Treatment plans often include a combination of drug therapy,
rest, exercise, joint protection, heating and cooling to reduce pain, and physical or occupational therapy
* Surgery can also be preformed to correct
badly deformed joints
is to manage the joint pain and swelling
* Treatment plans often include a combination of drug therapy,
rest, exercise, joint protection, heating and cooling to reduce pain, and physical or occupational therapy
* Surgery can also be preformed to correct
badly deformed joints
