| Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that | | | | popular, because it helps restore hand functions. |
| affects the lining of the joints in the feet and hands. | | | | Besides surgery and medications, there are some |
| This happens when the immune system starts | | | | other things people can do to find Rheumatoid arthritis |
| attacking its own tissues. The disorder affects both | | | | Relief. Moderate exercise is often suggested by |
| men and women, but it affects far more women than | | | | physical therapists because it helps to maintain flexibility |
| men. While there is no cure for this disorder, there is | | | | and joint mobility. Before someone decides to start an |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis relief available. | | | | exercise program, they need to take in to account |
| Some medications are available and doctors will | | | | their physical limitations. They also need to find the right |
| prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, also | | | | balance between exercising and resting. |
| known as DMARDs, to try to slow the progression of | | | | Exercising can really help joint pain, but too much |
| the disorder. Some doctors will use anti-inflammatory | | | | exercise can aggravate it. Taking good care of the |
| drugs to reduce inflammation while other specialists will | | | | joints is also important. Using a splint helps some |
| only prescribe prescriptions to help with pain. Since | | | | people reduce joint pain. Devices such as chair lifts or |
| people with this condition have an overactive immune | | | | high toilet seat will also reduce the amount of pressure |
| system, the drug Rituximab, is sometimes given to | | | | that is placed on joints. Having a healthy and balanced |
| reduce the immune system's activity. The drug, | | | | diet can also help combat the problems associated |
| Abatacept, is sometimes given to stop too many white | | | | with rheumatoid arthritis. |
| blood cells from producing which can cause | | | | Continuing to receive ongoing medical care is essential |
| inflammation. Each case is different and may require a | | | | to anyone who has this disorder. Over time, a patient |
| different medication. | | | | may find that they need to change their course of |
| Surgery is another option for those who need | | | | treatment. Regular doctor visits will include blood work, |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis relief. Arthrodesis, also known as | | | | urine samples, and X rays. Since having Rheumatoid |
| fusion, is a surgery that fuses bones together. This | | | | Arthritis dramatically increases the chances of |
| surgery can help reduce pain, but severely limits the | | | | developing Osteoporosis, patients should to talk to their |
| mobility of the joints that have been fused together. | | | | doctors about the benefits of increasing their vitamin D |
| Tendon reconstruction damaged tendons by attaching | | | | and calcium intake to help support bone health. |
| them to tendons that are healthy. This surgery is | | | | |