Sunday, November 27, 2011

Joint Disorders

Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis


Rheumatoid arthritis is a common form of arthritis which attacks the joints and their surrounding tissues. This happens because the body's immune system attacks its own tissues mistakenly. Additionally, it can cause swelling within the synovial membrane which can easily cause pain and discomfort.  Although the cause of this disorder is unknown, previous cases have been inked to genetics, hormones, and infections.



About 1.3 million of the United States is said to have it. Although it commonly appears among middle aged adults, and in most cases women, young juvenile cases of rheumatoid arthritis have also been noted. 
As tissues become inflamed, the disease activates. Common symptoms include fatigue, muscle stiffness, red or swollen area, and even slight fever. It is common that the disease strike both symmetrical sides of the body; for example if one were to obtain rheumatoid arthritis in the left carpal, it is likely to later appear in the right
 
Causing weakness and fatigue, it can also damage other organs of the body or continue to attack other joints if not treated properly. By taking detailed x-rays, extracting synovial fluid form the surrounding joint, and searching for a "rheumatoid factor" one can be diagnosed and further treated with alleviating pain killer prescriptions or cortisone injections in the joint which can ease pain and allow further mobiliy.  "First Line medications" are used to treat rheumatiod arthritis with the intention of acting immediately while "Second Line Medications" are often long- term alleviating prescriptions which respond continuously. Although there is no direct cure for rheumatoid arthritis, excercise  such as swimming and mobility of the joints can help prevent and even alleviate pain and discomfort.





         
                




Works Cited
"Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis - PubMed Health." Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001487/>.
"Rheumatoid Arthritis - PubMed Health." Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001467/>.
"Rheumatoid Arthritis - PubMed Health." Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001467/>.
"Rheumatoid Arthritis - RA - Center: Symptoms, Pain Relief, Causes, Tests, and Medications." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/default.htm>.
"Rheumatoid Arthritis - YouTube." YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYTutNDWPKg>.
"Rheumatoid Arthritis." Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments | Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.arthritis.org/rheumatoid-arthritis.php>.
"Rheumatoid Arthritis: MedlinePlus." National Library of Medicine - National Institutes of Health. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html>.
RheumatoidArthritis.com - Living with RA. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.rheumatoidarthritis.com/ra/>.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Rheumatoid Arthritis - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020>.
"Synovial Membrane Definition - Medical Dictionary Definitions of Popular Medical Terms Easily Defined on MedTerms." Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=33987>.
"What Is The Difference Between Rheumatoid Arthritis And Severe Degenerative Osteoarthritis And Treatments? - AllStop Arthritis Health Blog - Arthritis News." Skin Diseases :: Skin Rashes That Itch :: Itchy Skin Problems. Web. 27 Nov. 2011. <http://allstop.com/arthritis-news/arthritis-treatments/what-is-the-difference-between-rheumatoid-arthritis-and-severe-degenerative-osteoarthritis-and-treatments>.

1 comment:

  1. Osteoarthritis ,Rheumatoid Arthritis,Post-traumatic Arthritis etc can cause shoulder pain and disability, and lead patients to consider shoulder joint replacement surgery.
    Orthopaedic surgeon can help regarding treatment choices with its patients to decide the wellbeing of the health.

    ReplyDelete