Focus On: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks the healthy tissue that lines joints.  RA can be very painful and limiting and is one of the most common types of arthritis, affecting over 1.3 million people in the USA. 

Signs and Symptoms Include:

• Tender, warm, swollen joints
• General fatigue and ocassional fevers
• Pain and stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes after waking up
• Commonly affected joints are in the wrists and hands

There is currently no cure for RA; early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing this condition. Doctors use a variety of methods to treat RA. This may include medicine, exercise, rest, joint protection, physical and occupational therapy and even  surgery.

For more information check out the Learn About Arthritis section of our website.  

For a listing of classes in your area visit: http://www.moarthritis.org/classes.html#tp

Comments

[Stephen T]

Even though at this point there is no cure for RA, there is a sliver lining here. There has been a surge of recent clinical studies on rheumatoid arthritis. Even though the cure isn't there, there have been better medical treatments being developed recently. I think that with continued funding and support, a cure might not be that far off.

[AvailFlorida]

I really like your blog! In an effort to help raise awareness of this chronic autoimmune disease, we have created a new infographic. It is titled "What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?". We wanted to provide some information about rheumatoid arthritis and some of the organizations which are available to help RA patients and their families. You can check it out at: http://www.availclinical.com/news/what-is-rheumatoid-arthritis/

[Robert in Jacksonville]

Thanks for sharing the information on rheumatoid arthritis! I have heard many times that it is very important to start treatment for rheumatoid arthritis as soon as possible in order to prevent more long term damage or even physical deformity. Still, this is such a complex disease, I could certainly understand how deciding which treatment to use can pose a serious issue. This is obviously something that needs to be worked out between patient and rheumatologist. Just look at this list of RA treatments: http://www.clinicaltrialsgps.com/clinical-trials-indications/rheumatoid-arthritis/treatments/