| Although there are over 100 different forms of arthritis, | | | | development of the disease in more recent times. |
| one of the most common by far is rheumatoid arthritis. | | | | What are the Symptoms? |
| Whilst the symptoms of this form of arthritis are very | | | | The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are mostly more |
| similar to the symptoms of other types of the disease, | | | | apparent than in other types of arthritis and in some |
| there are also several key differences. | | | | cases are easier to spot in some patients whilst not in |
| What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? | | | | others but as a general rule of thumb, patients will |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that | | | | experience burning and soreness in their joints, fatigue, |
| causes swelling, redness, pain and discomfort that gets | | | | restlessness, lack of appetite, fever, muscle aches and |
| worse if left untreated. The inflammation that the | | | | stiffness in joints and muscles. |
| disease causes can affect internal organs as well. | | | | When this kind of arthritis is found to be present, it will |
| Eyes, lungs and heart are some of which can be | | | | affect multiple joints at the same time and most usually |
| affected by it. Despite the condition being a chronic | | | | in a symmetrical pattern, for example if it affects one |
| illness, it is possible that people with rheumatoid arthritis | | | | hand, it will also affect the other hand too. When only |
| can go long periods of time without showing any | | | | one joint is involved, the disease is able to mimic the |
| symptoms. | | | | inflammation caused by other forms of the disease |
| The dangerous thing about rheumatoid arthritis is that it | | | | which make diagnoses more difficult. |
| is a progressive disease which means that if it is left | | | | It is very important to note that there are often periods |
| untreated then it is likely to destroy joints and make | | | | of remission in which symptoms do not appear. During |
| sufferers immobile. | | | | these periods, the symptoms will completely disappear |
| What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis? | | | | and once the disease becomes active again, the |
| No one factor is said to cause rheumatoid arthritis | | | | symptoms will return. |
| alone, but is commonly believed that a number of | | | | If you recognize any symptoms of arthritis then the |
| contributing factors could be responsible. For example, | | | | most important thing that you need to do is arrange to |
| infectious agents such as bacteria and fungi have | | | | see your doctor as soon as possible because the |
| been related to the disease for many years whilst | | | | sooner a proper diagnosis takes place then the sooner |
| environmental factors have also bee linked to the | | | | you can begin your course of appropriate treatment. |