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St. Louis Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis, also referred to as acute inflammatory arthritis, affects bones by causing inflammation in the joints (synovial joints, specifically). Rheumaoid arthritis can be painful and debilitating, leading to a significantly reduced range of motion in the affected joints as well as stiffness, locking and disfigurement. Most often rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by its symptoms -- joint tenderness, pain, and swelling are the most telling -- however it is also possible to diagnose the disease with a rheumatoid factor blood test as well as by looking at the affected joints in an x-ray.

Joint inflammation leads to cartilage breakdown and joint stiffness (ankylosis). Beyond joint stiffness, rheumatoid arthritis can cause diffuse inflammation in the lungs, heart & pleural cavity (area surrounding the lungs). Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to problems with walking, stretching, and many other day-to-day activities.

Millions of Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, with women being 3 times more likely to contract rheumatoid arthritis than men. While it's possible for rheumatoid arthritis to have a juvenile onset, it is most commonly found in patents between ages 40 and 50.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

The most prevalent and telling symptom of arthritis is synovitis, an inflammation of the joint lining and tendons. Synovitis creates inflammation and swelling, joint tenderness and a warm sensation as well as stiffness. Most patients consider rheumatoid arthritis incredibly painful, with symptoms being worst in the early morning or after a long, hard day.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis differ slightly from osteoarthritis, another type of arthritis that involves degeneration of the joints (also referred to as degenerative joint disease or "wear-and-tear" arthritis). In the beginning stages of rheumatoid arthritis patients can often "shake off" the symptoms with gentle movements. Gentle movements are said to temporarily relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis for early stage cases.

Back to arthritis.
Learn about osteoarthritis.

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