Are There Known Causes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Continued From << Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis

The most obvious and prevalent symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is pain. You will experience this in varying levels, depending on how far the disease had already progressed. Other common symptoms for this disease are joint and muscle stiffness and aches, low grade fever, lack or loss of appetite, fatigue, and even depression.

In most cases of rheumatoid arthritis, you’ll notice a symmetric pattern for joint pain. If your left knee is aching, your right knee would be aching as well. In other words, both sides are affected and this can severely affect your life. With both wrists suffering from arthritic pain, for instance, it would be impossible for you to handle simple computer procedures.

Longer Term Effects

Inflammatory reactions of joints can lead to many things like gradual deformity and impairment of joints. Inflamed joints can also turn your voice hoarse and make you suffer from gout.

Few people are aware that rheumatoid arthritis has the ability to affect surrounding areas and organs. Worst cases could make you suffer from severe chest pains accompanied by harsh coughing and breathing problems.

Lungs are not invulnerable to the effects of this disease: they can become inflamed as well and have rheumatoid nodules emerging in them. Both red and white blood cells could suffer from reduced counts as well, possibly leading to anemia and a weakened defense system for the body.

Sidebar: The next article in this series is about evaluating arthritis products.

Speaking of rheumatoid nodules, these can also appear in your elbows and knees. While they’re generally harmless, they are not however impervious to infections. Once infected, they can also make your condition turn for the worse.

As long as there are no known causes and cures for rheumatoid arthritis, you will have to depend on your personal vigilance and regular checkups to ensure that you know immediately if and when you do contract rheumatoid arthritis.

In the event that you do have it, be prepared to take regular treatments and make definite lifestyle changes as these are the only ways to ensure you’ll continue enjoying your life and do so longer.