Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? 

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto immune disease which leads to swelling and inflammation in the joints. It can affect anyone it can also be very painful and minimises joint movement. In severe cases it is known to wear down the bones and also cause deformity.  It is not known as of yet how or why the condition derives.  

Who gets RA? 

Most people think that Rheumatoid Arthritis is more common in individuals over the age of 50. However it can strike at a very young and old age. Most people can get RA between the ages of 20 and 45. There is medication provided for RA but the success of the medication depends on ones condition. It can be temporary or an ongoing condition. Early diagnosis of RA is helpful as this means the condition can be stabilised or controlled as soon as possible to help stop the condition from becoming severe.  

Symptoms

·         Joint swelling

·         Pain

·         Morning joint stiffness

·         Poor sleep

·         Fatigue/Fever symptoms

·         Loss of weight

·         Tiredness 

Treatment

·         Patient education

·         Specialist support such as physiotherapy

·         Surgery to deal with structural change

·         Practical self-management to help deal with symptoms

·         Drugs to control inflammation and disease progression

Living with RA

Trying to adapt to live RA can be very difficult as you would have to juggle dealing with the condition in the best possible way and at the same time attempting to live your life normally. There are different alternatives that can be used by individuals to help minimise their symptoms or perhaps live life as usual.

-          Medication

-          Healthy Diet

-          Benefits and Work

-          Care & Support

-          Adaptations

For further information and support go onto www.lifebeyondarthritis.com or email info–@lifebeyondarthritis.com.