Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic, non-symmetrical autoimmune disease, meaning that it is caused by your immune system attacking healthy, normal body tissue. When you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, mistakenly sending antibodies into the joint fluid. This results in inflammation and pain. In addition, it can also cause permanent damage to your joints and make them stiff. If you think you might have this disease, it is important to visit your doctor so that he or she can test you for this condition.
As with any illness, there are many complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis. These complications vary depending on the severity of the disease. In general, however, the symptoms are the same as those of a milder form of arthritis. Therefore, if you notice joint stiffness and an overall feeling of being sore, it is wise to see a doctor. Although these symptoms are similar to what people experience when they have a cold or the flu, it is important to note that these are not the same conditions, and there are several different types of rheumatoid arthritis.
Some of the most common complications from rheumatoid arthritis include joint destruction and inflammation, damage to bone and cartilage, as well as severe pain. Joint destruction and inflammation are among the most serious complications of this condition, because they can lead to debilitating permanent disabilities. The degree of damage varies from person to person and often depends upon how the joints are used. For example, if someone suffers from an extreme form of rheumatoid arthritis she may have significant damage to her joints. However, people who tend to use their joints fairly gently and bend only infrequently may not have as extensive damage as others.
The swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis may make it difficult to breathe at times. Because this swelling occurs in the joints, the sufferer’s mobility is affected greatly when they attempt to move. This symptom is typically noticed after someone has suffered from a particular injury to one or more joints. However, joint stiffness that does not improve as the body heals itself is also a symptom. Because this type of symptom is usually a sign of much more severe problems, it is important to talk to a doctor immediately, especially if joint stiffness doesn’t improve over time.
The medical community has identified a definite relationship between obesity and rheumatoid arthritis. People who are considered obese are found to have a greater risk of developing this condition. Researchers have also identified a difference between overweight individuals and those who are physically fit, but have a higher risk of developing complications. It has been determined that individuals who are obese are at a higher risk for complications because their immune systems are not working efficiently enough to fight off infections and other problems.
Anyone who is obese is at a greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. People who are considered to be healthy on the inside but are overweight are at a lower risk. If you are obese, you will want to work hard to lose weight, and then keep the weight off once you have achieved your goal. By doing this, you can help your body fight off the disease-modifying drugs that can help relieve some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.