arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

grandparents and grandkids
Important data

    Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. It occurs when the immune system (the body's defense system) does not work properly. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes pain and swelling in the wrist and small joints of the hand and foot.
    Treatments for RA can stop pain and swelling of the joints. The treatment also prevents joint damage. Early treatment will give better long-term results.
    Periodic low-impact exercises, such as walking, can increase muscle strength. This will improve your general health and reduce the pressure on your joints.
    There are studies that show that people who receive early treatment for RA feel better faster and more often, and are more likely to lead an active life. They are also less likely to suffer from the type of joint damage that leads to joint replacement.
    It is important to get help from a rheumatologist, a doctor who treats arthritis and autoimmune diseases. There are diseases that can be confused with RA. It is important to get the correct diagnosis without unnecessary tests. A rheumatologist will help you find the best treatment plan for your disease.

People have long feared rheumatoid arthritis (commonly called RA) as one of the most disabling types of arthritis. The good news is that the outlook has improved for many people with recent (detected) diagnosis of RA. Of course, RA remains a serious disease, and it can vary widely in terms of symptoms (what it feels) and results. Even so, the therapeutic advances have allowed to stop or at least delay the progression (worsening) of joint damage. Rheumatologists now have many new treatments that point to the inflammation that RA causes. They also understand better when and how to use treatments to get the best effects.