Arthritis is a condition characterized by joint inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that leads to inflamed and stiff joints. It is the joint that holds together two bones. The joints contain soft tissues and cartilages that help to hold the bones together and materialize smooth movement. Rheumatoid arthritis results when the white blood cells in the immune system destroy the good cells in the body instead of foreign body. Gradually, the affected cells release fluids that damage the tissues and cells in the joints. In acute stages, some organs like the spleen and liver also gets affected. The rheumatoid-infected person can suffer from fever, low blood count, weight loss, dry eyes and mouth, and of course inflammation at joints and other parts of the body. As time passes, the movement of the joints becomes simply painful. Though the exact cause of the disease has not yet been traced, the common symptoms are inflammation, stiffness, and swollen joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that cannot be completely cured; it can only be kept under control by reducing pain and inflammation and slowing the bone damage. Hence, treatment for rheumatoid arthritis concentrates on helping a patient to cope and to live with the disease. Normally, the recommended treatment involves encouraging physical activities. The person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis has to exercise his or her joints to avoid complete stiffening and disability. Also, one needs to take proper rest to reduce the inflammation of joints. In some cases, the individual uses devices called splints to reduce pain and to carry out daily activities independently. For instance, with the use of splint, one can rise from bed or get up from a chair without taking help from another person. The doctors can administer various drugs or medicines such as analgesics or anti-rheumatic drugs. These help to reduce pain and control inflammation of joints. In very severe or extreme cases, surgery is recommended, provided the patient can pay the cost. This helps to replace the damaged part with an artificial "body-friendly" metal or plastic. For instance, in surface hip-replacement surgery, the whole socket of the hip is replaced with a metal hip. Similarly, there is tendon-replacement surgery to replace a damaged tendon or a tissue connecting muscle to bone. One of the surgeries practiced less frequently is the removal of synovial tissues that cases the bones in the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be prevented nor cured. The only solution is to live with the disease and undergo routine check-ups, exercise, and follow a nutritious diet. |
