Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder that affects the tissues and organs but primarily affects the joints and tendon sheaths.  As a result pain is felt and these joints and can become very swollen and stiff which in turn limits motion.  Most commonly Rheumatoid arthritis is found in the smaller joints of hands, feet, but can also be found in the shoulder and knees.  Rheumatoid arthritis can seriously limit mobility and over time cause major corrosion of the joint leading to deformity and function loss.

Millions of people are affected by rheumatoid arthritis and women are three times more likely to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis than men.  RA is most commonly found in sufferers between the ages of late 30’s through middle 60’s.  Although arthritis symptoms can be felt at any age, it is best if you speak with your doctor if you are noticing any of the common signs of arthritis.

There are many treatments available for rheumatoid arthritis.  Your doctor may just prescribe some physical therapy and daily exercising.   These things can help you to reduce stress which is critical to haling the body and relaxation.  You doctor may also prescribe some anti-inflammatory medication or steroids to help reduce pain or swelling to give back some mobility.  In some cases surgery may also be necessary if the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms or signs are very severe.

• Warmth
• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain in joints
• Loss of mobility
• Sick/Tired
• Feverrish

Arthritis signs and symptoms are sometime difficult to spot, so it is best practice to go see your doctor and have what they call a “rheumatoid factor test.”  The doctor will give  you a blood test, check white blood cell counts, and most likely do Xrays.  Most likely your doctor will refer you to a rheumatologist who will also perform such test as the citrulline antibody test or an erythrocyte sedimentation which will check the body for inflammation.  Rheumatoid arthritis is a very serious disorder and a person may not notice all the signs or symptoms so its also best to speak with your doctor.