| Although there are a number of different conditions | | | | * X-rays which are used to see if you have any joint |
| that can affect the health of your joints, one of the | | | | or cartilage damage |
| most common is arthritis. For many sufferers, the | | | | Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| inflamed, painful joints and the limited mobility caused | | | | Living with rheumatoid arthritis will mean having to |
| by this disease can make an otherwise enjoyable | | | | make adjustments to how things were and will be in |
| lifestyle anything but pleasant. | | | | the future. It will mean having to manage pain and |
| Common Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms : | | | | discomfort. This will most likely include medicine, |
| * Pain and aching in and around your joints, particularly | | | | physical activity, caring for your joints, using heat and |
| the hands feet and knees | | | | cold to your advantage, and learning new ways of |
| * Joint stiffness especially in the morning and after | | | | generally coping each day. |
| sitting or lying for a long time | | | | Learning to Live With Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| * Swollen joints particularly hands feet and knees | | | | Arthritis of any type is a challenge that will take a lot of |
| * Loss of joint function and mobility | | | | time and patience. It can be hard making changes to |
| * Fatigue | | | | the way you do your everyday things. But ultimately |
| * Muscle weakness which comes from stiff joints and | | | | the results are well worth it, you may have less pain, |
| less physical activity | | | | more movement and a greater enjoyment of life. You |
| * Weight loss | | | | may also reduce the chance of further long term |
| * Difficulty sleeping because joints are painful | | | | damage to your joints. |
| * Feeling generally unwell and nauseous | | | | Many suggestions for management of your arthritis in |
| How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed? | | | | the future may be explored and explained by your |
| Rheumatoid arthritis may be diagnosed by a medical | | | | local State representative medical advisory office. |
| professional after one or more of the following: | | | | There are courses available that have been thoroughly |
| * A thorough physical examination and assessment by | | | | researched and have been shown to reduce pain, |
| your doctor | | | | improve quality of life, reduce disability and further |
| * A review of your medical history | | | | reduce the dependency of medical interaction. |
| * Various blood tests | | | | |