|
|
|
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Description |
|
|
|
Symptoms |
|
Body - with nodules subcutaneous |
Fatigue/exhaustion |
Fever
|
|
Joints - pain |
Joints - swelling
|
Joints - tender to the touch |
|
Joints - stiffness |
Muscles - aching |
Weight - loss |
|
|
Description |
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that may affect many tissues and
organs, but principally attacks synovial joints. The arthritis of joints
(synovitis) is the inflammation of the synovial membrane that lines joints and
tendon sheaths. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint but is common in the
wrist and fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis can also produce diffuse inflammation in
the lungs, pericardium, pleura, and sclera. Also, nodular lesions, most
common in subcutaneous tissue under the skin and located near the elbow,
although they can appear anywhere.
Although rheumatoid arthritis can have many different symptoms, joints are
always affected. It is still unknown what starts this process. Because it is a
chronic disease, rheumatoid arthritis continues indefinitely and may not go
away. Frequent flares in disease activity can occur.
|
|
|
Diagnosis |
Rheumatoid arthritis can be difficult to diagnose. No blood test can
definitively confirme the diagnosis. Likewise, X-ray may not show abnormalities
for months after the joint pain started. However, the following tests can show
indications that the condition is developing:
- Blood test for rheumatoid factor.
- Blood test for C-reactive protein.
- Blood test for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR test).
- Complete blood count.
- X-ray (several months after the onset of joint pain). |
|
|
More information: |
Rheumatoid
Arthritis Treatment
Rheumatoid
Arthritis Healthcare Centers
|
|
|
|
Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclaimers
|