| Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease | | | | genetics has not yet been proven to be linked with the |
| that causes swelling and stiffness in the joints and can | | | | disease. |
| often cause deformities in these areas. With over 2.1 | | | | So what are some of the signs and symptoms of |
| million sufferers in the United States alone Rheumatoid | | | | Rheumatoid Arthritis? |
| Arthritis is on the increase. Rheumatoid arthritis is most | | | | Aching in the joints is obviously the first sign, but |
| common in people aged between 25 and 50 and is | | | | sufferers may also have Anaemia and a decreased |
| three times as likely to affect women as it is men. | | | | appetite. Dry eyes and mouth can also be a sign of |
| There are three stages of rheumatoid arthritis: | | | | Rheumatoid arthritis as well as fatigue and flu like |
| 1. The swelling of the synovial (lubricating fluid around | | | | symptoms. If you find that you have stiffness in your |
| joints in the body) lining. This causes pain, stiffness, | | | | muscles and that you have a general loss of strength |
| redness, and swelling around joints. | | | | this can be a symptom of arthritis. If your joints are |
| 2. The rapid division and growth of cells. This causes | | | | becoming swollen and you start to notice hard lumps |
| the synovium (free moving membrane in joints in the | | | | appearing this can also be a sign of Rheumatoid |
| body) to thicken. | | | | arthritis. |
| 3. The inflamed cells release enzymes that eat up | | | | Although there is no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, you |
| bone and cartilage. This causes the joint to lose its | | | | do not have to live with the pain. There are plenty of |
| shape and alignment, causing more pain and loss of | | | | medications available to help you deal with the effects |
| movement. | | | | of Rheumatoid Arthritis as well as alternative therapies. |
| What causes Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, and as | | | | It is best to speak with your Doctor who can help you |
| yet there is no cure. Some people with Rheumatoid | | | | decide which is the best way to treat your symptoms |
| arthritis have other family members with the same, but | | | | and help you live a pain free life. |