Roohealthcare.com – If you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, you have likely already received several prescriptions. While many of these medications are effective, some are not. If you are unsure about which medication is right for you, ask your doctor. In some cases, a combination of medications may be best. The type of arthritis you have may also affect your physical and mental health.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Affect Any Joint
While rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint, it is most often found in the wrist, knuckles, and ball of the foot. Although it typically affects the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can also occur in the heart, blood vessels, or eyes. Even if the symptoms are mild and short-lived, they can cause permanent damage to the joints.
The main difference between rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory forms is the distribution of joint inflammation. Most people with rheumatoid arthritis experience inflammation in a few joints on both sides of the body. However, this pattern of inflammation makes it difficult to make a definitive diagnosis if only one joint is affected. Your doctor may order other tests to rule out infection or another underlying condition.
Different RA types have distinct characteristics, ranging from mild form to severe. In severe cases, joint cartilage is destroyed, exposing bone. The resulting X-ray images show the deformities. Eventually, bone fuses and scar tissue forms, and joint function deteriorates. In the worst case, nodules can form. If you suspect you have rheumatoid arthritis, you should consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
Osteoarthritis and Gout Two Common Forms of Arthritis
There are several different types of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis and gout are two common forms of inflammatory arthritis. Gout affects fewer joints than osteoarthritis and is usually shorter-lived. Lupus is another autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, lupus has no known trigger. Other risk factors may include smoking, exposure to silica minerals, and chronic periodontal disease.
There are two main types of Rheumatoid Arthritis: seropositive and seronegative. Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis patients have antibodies against anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCPs) that cause the symptoms of the disease. Seronegative patients do not have this immune response, but still have the symptoms of RA.
Osteoarthritis can affect the fingers and hands, too. While most patients experience symptoms in their fingers, arthritis can affect the hands and finger joints. In severe cases, the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may go unnoticed. Patients may also experience pain under the base of the thumb, or dactylitis. However, it is important to note that this inflammatory disease can appear in any joint, and it may be very difficult to treat.
Recommend a series of Drugs to Control Symptoms
Once diagnosed with RA, your doctor will likely recommend a series of medications to control your symptoms. A physician may also recommend an in-person visit and a phone call to discuss treatment options. While many RA patients experience a flare-up at some point, not every episode occurs every time. A doctor will also be able to prescribe a medication to control the pain. When a flare-up lasts longer than a week, it is considered an RA flare-up.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are a common treatment for RA. These drugs help slow the disease and prevent progressive joint damage. Disease-modifying drugs are also commonly used, as are anti-inflammatory drugs and physical activity programs. The doctor may also prescribe diet and exercise programs to improve overall health. Lastly, medications for arthritis-related complications can include nutritional supplements and joint reconditioning.
The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are still unclear. It’s possible to develop RA through genetics, but not everyone with a hereditary disease has it. Research suggests that environmental and behavioral factors play an important role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. However, genetics are only one part of the story – other factors such as environment and behavior are just as important.
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