Does Rheumatoid Arthritis affect the joints only?
|
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in every country and climate. Women are affected three times as frequently as men.
There are vague warning signs that may occur for weeks and months before arthritis sets in. Early signs may include fatigue, muscular aches
and pains, unexplained weight loss, stiffness of joints in the morning that improves as the day goes on. These signs may stay for a few
days, disappear for a while and come back again. You can ease the pain of rheumatoid arthritis
by incorporating some changes in your lifestyle.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious disease of the autoimmune system that primarily affects the joints. However, because it is
an autoimmune, systematic disease, rheumatoid arthritis may also affect other areas of the body. Here are some of the areas that
may be associated with a positive diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.
One area that may be affected is the skin. It is not uncommon for rheumatoid arthritis patients to
report small nodules that are formed under the skin. Most of the time, these relatively small nodules can be found near a joint area. The skin
nodules become most noticeable when a joint is flexed. Another skin condition commonly associated with rheumatoid arthritis is purpura. Purpura
refers to purplish patches on the skin that develop because of damage incurred by the blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause the blood
vessels to become damaged, causing them to rupture and bleed into the skin. This process is known as vasculitis. Another skin problem associated
with rheumatoid arthritis are skin ulcers. Skin ulcers appear as a result of vasculitic lesions.
Another area that may be adversely affected because of rheumatoid arthritis is the heart. It is not uncommon
that fluid collects around the heart as a result of the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Although these symptoms are usually quite
mild, it is possible that this problem may develop into something more serious. If inflammation is severe, it may affect the heart muscle. The
coronary arteries may swell, causing the heart muscle to work harder. The lungs may also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Like the heart
muscle, fluid may collect around the lungs. The lung tissue may also become stiff. The inflammation related to rheumatoid arthritis can may it
difficult to breath.

JointEase Plus for Arthritis and Joint Problems
JointEase Plus is a 100% natural, safe and effective herbal remedy for arthritis and joint-related problems.
JointEase Plus is ideal for those who need relief from painful joint conditions, or lower back ache; suffer from any form
of arthritis, fibrositis, myalgia or rheumatism; suffer from any degenerative musculoskeletal condition and acts as a
general health tonic.
|
The musculoskeletal structures of the body may be severely affected by rheumatoid arthritis. When inflammation strikes the joints, the
muscles may become shrunken and weak. This is known as atrophy. The most vulnerable area that may be affected by atrophy is the area of the
hands. Atrophy is not directly caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Atrophy is the result of not using certain muscles for an extended period of time.
When rheumatoid arthritis strikes, the affected joints and muscles may become the source of discomfort, pain, and swelling. This causes the
patient to not use the stricken muscles, and this in turn causes atrophy.
The digestive tract is also affected by rheumatoid arthritis. The most common complication is known as dry mouth, which is
related to Sjogren syndrome. Most digestive complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis appear to develop as a result of the medications
taken to control the disease. The most common digestive complaints related to the medications include stomach ulcers and stomach inflammation
(gastritis).
The patient's blood may also be affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Many rheumatoid arthritis patients find
that they develop anemia. Anemia is a result of a low level of red blood cells, and a low level of hemoglobin in the blood cells. These are
responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the blood stream.
The course of rheumatoid arthritis in a particular patient cannot be predicted with any certainty. Usually it follows a
slow progressive course, interrupted by months or even years, when it appears that there is no activity. Some other patients experience a
very mild case with little or no discomfort. And some other patients experience a chronic course for many years before it burns itself
off.
The Wright Stuff Arthritis
Aids - Products that help you reach, cook, bathe & dress easier.
Get more info on
JointEase Plus for Arthritis, Fibromyalgia and other Joint Problems
|