RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) causes joint inflammation and pain. It happens when the immune system doesn’t work properly and attacks the lining of the joints, called the synovium. As a result, the disease commonly affects the hands, knees, or ankles, and usually the same joint on both sides of the body, such as both hands or both knees. However, sometimes RA causes problems in other parts of the body as well, such as the eyes, heart, circulatory system, and lungs.
Moreover, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Therefore, early detection and treatment are crucial in managing symptoms and preventing further complications.
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Additionally, as an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. Consequently, this leads to chronic inflammation, which can severely impact mobility and quality of life over time.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
R.A. is an autoimmune disease. This means your immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the cells that line your joints by mistake, making the joints swollen, stiff, and painful. As a result, this can cause long-term joint damage.
Over time, this can damage the joints, cartilage, and nearby bone. Consequently, it leads to decreased mobility and chronic discomfort.
It’s not clear what triggers this problem with the immune system. Nevertheless, you’re at an increased risk if:
- It is two to three times more common among women than men.
- You have a family history of R.A.
- You smoke, as smoking significantly increases the risk of developing R.A.
Furthermore, Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment early to prevent severe complications.
THE SYMPTOMS OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
- Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
In addition, the inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well. While new types of medications have improved treatment options dramatically, severe R.A. can still cause physical disabilities. Thus, a combination of medical treatments and lifestyle changes is often necessary to manage the condition effectively.
Is there a treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Is there a treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments available for R.A. The earlier that intensive treatment is started, the more likely it is to work. Therefore, seeking medical advice as soon as symptoms appear is highly recommended.
There are three main ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis:
- Medicine & Supplement
- Physical Therapies
- Medical Procedure
ESWT
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a physical therapy treatment that can be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since it is a non-invasive procedure, it uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. Moreover, ESWT can help with pain and joint function in people with RA, making it a beneficial treatment option.
ESWT increases blood flow and stimulates the body’s natural healing process. Additionally, it can help reduce pain by increasing mitochondrial oxidation and the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Consequently, this helps expand blood and lymphatic vessels, which can remove exudate and reabsorb excess liquids, thereby reducing swelling and discomfort.
Physiotherapy
Similarly, physiotherapy is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) that can help improve quality of life and reduce pain and inflammation. By using targeted exercises and therapies, physiotherapy enhances mobility, strengthens muscles, and alleviates joint stiffness. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in managing RA symptoms and improving overall well-being.
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