| There are many types of arthritis, but the one we | | | | test to check for an elevated erythrocyte |
| most commonly think of is rheumatoid arthritis. White | | | | sedimentation rate, which will reveal an inflammatory |
| blood cells usually spend their days attacking bacteria | | | | process in the body. |
| and fighting off viruses, but with this type of arthritis, | | | | Other blood tests check for the rheumatoid factor |
| the white blood cells move from the bloodstream | | | | and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, which |
| (where they belong) into the membranes surrounding | | | | cause joint damage. Additionally, by using a needle, a |
| your joints. | | | | joint fluid analysis can pinpoint the disease and help |
| As a result, there is an inflammation and the release | | | | rule out other disorders that mimic the symptoms of |
| of proteins. Over months or years, the membrane | | | | arthritis. Once diagnosed, X-rays can help track the |
| thickens and the released proteins cause damage to | | | | progression of the disease in your joints. |
| neighboring cartilage, ligaments, bones and tendons. | | | | Surgery options for people with rheumatoid arthritis |
| Joints can become disfigured, knocked out of | | | | include total joint replacement (arthroplasty), tendon |
| alignment or even destroyed. | | | | repair, or removal of the joint lining (synovectomy). |
| Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may | | | | These procedures can help restore joint mobility, |
| include: joint pain, joint swelling and joints that are | | | | correct deformities and reduce pain. Additionally, pain |
| tender to the touch. Whether you have red puffy | | | | management is key to preventing long term joint |
| hands, firm bumps of tissue beneath the skin on your | | | | damage. |
| arms, or morning stiffness that lasts at least thirty | | | | Arthritis sufferers should perform low impact |
| minutes, you may have some level of the disease. | | | | exercises regularly, such as swimming, for example. |
| Often, sufferers feel tired, lose weight and sense | | | | They should eat healthy diets with lots of fruits, |
| changes in wrists, hands, ankles and feet at first. In | | | | vegetables and whole grains. Devices that can assist |
| later stages, the elbows, shoulders, knees, hips and | | | | you with daily tasks, such as gripping tools, non-skid |
| the jaw and neck can also be affected. Signs and | | | | mats, canes and other products, can reduce stress |
| symptoms of pain may flare up and then alternate | | | | on the body. |
| with periods of relative remission. | | | | Hot packs, heating pads and hot baths have also |
| Your doctor will perform a physical exam to diagnose | | | | been known to reduce arthritis pain. Lastly, keeping a |
| rheumatoid arthritis. He or she will ask you about | | | | positive attitude and relaxing are some of the best |
| signs and symptoms, then usually perform a blood | | | | techniques to practice. |