rheumatoid arthritis symptoms 2 Page 1

Learn About Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms - 2

...If they are severe they should be checked much sooner.

More than 7 million Americans suffer from this type of arthritis. In fact it is the most common type affecting 1 in every 5 people in every age group.

The most recognizable symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is the symmetrical way of the pain. Two hands, two knees, two hips, two ankles. In the hands it often affects the proximal interphalagneal and metacarpal phalangeal joints, wrists, and elbows.

One distinction between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is that the later can affect your entire body and it can make you feel tired and sick all over. The body's immune system begins attacking the body mistaking it's own tissue for an invasive body.

It sends special white blood cells combined with cytokines which are a toxic chemical to destroy the foreign material. But the trouble is that foreign material is your own body materials.

The reason for this form of arthritis is still not understood and research continues on. One very scary concern with this arthritis is its ability to affect your internal organs like skin, spleen, blood vessels, heart, muscles, and lungs. And the damage causes is irreversible.

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by a rheumatologist by establish at least 6 weeks of joint pain and inflammation combined with the symptoms. There are also some blood tests that can help. And MRI can be helpful too.

Although there is no cure there are enough treatments available that combined correctly can provide relief and improved quality of life.

Now that you have found out all about rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, you can take this information and use it wisely. Be sure that you contact your doctor with any concerns that you might have, as well as treatment questions and problems.

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