Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is another autoimmune condition and inflammatory disease that’s been linked to fibromyalgia. The condition typically attacks several joints simultaneously, affecting those in the knees, wrists, and hands. A joint afflicted with RA tend to have inflamed linings, causing considerable damage to the tissues of the joint, leading to chronic pain, deformity, and instability. It may also impact other tissues in the body, causing problems in the eyes, lungs, heart, and various other organs. Some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include aching, stiffness, tenderness, or pains in different joints, fever, weight loss, fatigue, and weakness.
Diagnosis for rheumatoid arthritis usually involves laboratory tests, a physical examination, and a review of the patient’s symptoms. Like many conditions, it’s always better to diagnose and treat RA as early as possible to slow or stop its progression and damage. Treatments that control or suppress inflammation may reduce its damaging impact. Treatment options may come in the form of medications to prevent the deformity of the joints and slow down the disease and self-management strategies to cope with the condition. Not unlike many other disorders, the earlier rheumatoid arthritis is correctly diagnosed and adequately treated, the better the results.
