Questions and Answers about Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that causes joint pain and damage. The RA patient will usually experience swelling, and disfigurement is common. This condition will also limit or make difficult routine tasks such as typing, opening jars and any activity that involves using your fingers.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for Rheumatoid arthritis. But with medication and therapy sufferers of this condition can manage to lead normal and productive lives.

There are common signs that you may have rheumatoid arthritis such as:

1. Tired all the time
2. You have found hard bumps on your arms
3. You have lost weight without trying
4. Your hands are swelling, puffy and red
5. Constant joint pain

It isn’t quite known what exactly causes rheumatoid arthritis. It may hereditary or it may due to infections or viruses. Smoking may also be considered a factor.

Always check with a doctor first. Since there is no cure for RA the only relief is found in medications such as NSAIDS, steroids, DMARDS and Rituxan. The degree of the ailment will determine what kind and how much medication is used.

In severe cases surgery is an option.