Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritisisa conditionwhere the body’s natural defense mechanism mistakenlyattacks the body’s healthy tissuescausing pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints.
Is Rheumatoid arthritisassociated with Coeliac disease?
There have been reports of coeliac disease associated with rheumatoid arthritis. There are also studies reporting improvement of symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis with dietary modifications suggesting the role of gut-derived antigens as a driver of the inflammatory process in the joints
What are the symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint, though it is often felt in small joints in the hands and the feet first. Typically, the two sides of the body are affected simultaneously,though this may notalways happen.
Some sufferers develop fleshy lumps under the skin around affected joints. These lumps,called rheumatoid nodules, can sometimes be painful but usually are not.
Sufferers usually experience joint pain and stiffness, worse first thing in themorning,or after sitting still. The joints may also swell, feel warm and have redness.
Other possible symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Sweating
- Dry eyes
- Chest pain
How many people have Rheumatoid arthritis?
In the UK, Rheumatoid arthritis affects over400,000 adults aged 16 and over. It is not restricted to any age group or ethnicity or gender.Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the condition from worseningas it usually does.
What causes rheumatoidarthritis?
Age
Even though Rheumatoid arthritis affects adults of any age, most people are diagnosed between 40 and 60,with around three-quarters of sufferers being of working age when they are first diagnosed.
Genetics
There seemsto be acombination of environmental and genetic factors, such as smoking and diet, related to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers are not clear about the genetic link, but the data points to an increased chance of getting the condition if a close relative is a sufferer.
Weight
Overweight people have a greater chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis than healthy weight.
Smoking
Similarly, smoking cigarettes also significantly increase the risk of developing the condition
What is the cure?
The treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is three-pronged:
- drugs
- physical therapies
- surgery
Whether you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, or have mild symptoms, Book a FREE Discovery call now;our practitioners can guide you through the correct courseof treatment to help bring your relief and let your body heal! You deserve the best possible you!