Home: Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Management

Creaking bones and stiff joints are usually associated with advancing age, but these are also symptoms of a very common disease known as rheumatoid arthritis, or RA. It is so common that millions in the United States alone suffer from it, most of them women. The condition brings about very intense pain, as those who suffer from it can attest. It can strike a joint or several joints in areas like the ankle and knee, and if left untreated, it can lead to deformities. Worse, many people find that they lose the use of their hands or legs because simply moving them causes unbearable pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis, along with its close relatives osteoarthritis, gout, and psoriatic arthritis, is believed to stem from causes that are genetic, environmental, hormonal and psychological in nature. If members of your family suffer from the disease, there's a big chance that you will get it as well. Some studies show that stress is a big factor in causing or exacerbating the condition, because stress can lead to hormonal imbalance, which in turn wreaks havoc on the body's immune system. The immune system sometimes malfunctions as a result, attacking its own healthy tissues instead of protecting them, giving rise to autoimmune diseases such as RA. Sometimes, RA can also result as a consequence of viral diseases and infections. The causes are varied, but the main symptom is the same: relentless pain.

Pain relief methods for the treatment of RA are varied as well. Painkillers such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids are routinely prescribed to suffering patients. However, because of concerns regarding the side effects of chemical medication, many people are exploring the use of less conventional and more natural treatments. For instance, there is some evidence that acupuncture can help relieve pain and swelling in RA patients; however, more studies are needed to assess this therapeutic method's effectiveness.

Medical experts advise that the foundation for the sound management of RA should include weight maintenance and a healthy diet. Research has shown that RA is a product of an eating regimen that is heavy in saturated fat, processed foods, refined carbohydrates and sugar. To help prevent RA or manage its symptoms, one should have ample servings of whole foods, fruits and vegetables, and foods that are rich in fatty acids. Dietary supplements that provide the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals are also recommended.

Managing rheumatoid arthritis is not a walk in the park, but it shouldn't have to be that difficult either. A combination of medication, exercise, a healthy diet, and a sound frame of mind would go a long way towards alleviating pain and other symptoms, and contribute to a satisfactory quality of life.

Articles

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News

The latest news about Rheumatoid arthritis you'll find here, whenever available...

• Cimzia(R) Filed With EMEA For Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Europe (Medical News Today)
  UCB announced that a Marketing Authorisation Application (MAA) has been submitted to the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) requesting the approval of Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) as a subcutaneous treatment for adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and has been accepted for review.
• High Birth Weight Doubles Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis (MedicineNet.com)
  Title: High Birth Weight Doubles Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis Category: Health News Created: 7/1/2008 2:00:00 AM Last Editorial Review: 7/1/2008
• Increased Risk Of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis When Birth Weight Exceeds 10 Pounds (Medical News Today)
  People who have a birthweight over 10 pounds are twice as likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis when they are adults compared to individuals born with an average birthweight, according to a study published by researchers from Hospital for Special Surgery online in advance of print in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
• High Birth Weight Doubles Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis (HealthDay via Yahoo! News)
  MONDAY, June 30 (HealthDay News) -- The risk of rheumatoid arthritis is twice as high in women who had a heavy birth weight (more than 10 pounds) than those with an average birth weight (7 to 8.5 lbs), a new study finds.
• UCB files MAA with EMEA for Cimzia, as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis - Quick Facts (Nasdaq)
  (RTTNews) - Tuesday, UCB NPV (UCBJF.PK) said it filed a Marketing Authorization Application, or MAA, with the European Medicines Agency requesting the approval of Cimzia, or certolizumab pegol, as a subcutaneous treatment for adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis.