What does rheumatoid arthritis do?

Answer 1

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a result of a form of autoimmune disease. The immune system disorder leaves your body unable to determine clearly what is your own tissue and what could be an invader. It mistakenly targets the tissues in the joints as foreign substances and causes inflammation in the area to try to "kill" what it has incorrectly determined is a pathogen. This results in painful swelling that can eventually result in erosion of synovial (joint lining) tissue and bone tissue in the joint and eventually in joint deformity and stiffness. People can become nearly immobile due to the pain of movement. It can also cause inflammation of other tissues, and even systemic (whole body) flare ups with fevers and fatigue. It is a chronic long term disease. Drugs that suppress the immune system are often prescribed to treat it, leaving those with the disorder more susceptible to Infectious Diseases.

More information:

The synovial membrane becomes severely inflamed. Usually thin and delicate, the synovium becomes thick and stiff, with numerous infoldings on its surface.

Omega 3 fish oils in the diet can help with the inflammation. Other aids in treating the disease include weight loss for less stress on the joints. In some people, food Allergies can trigger the red hot swollen joints. When the immune system is suppressed, avoid being in crowds. Minor infections, such as a cold can also trigger the outbreak of arthritis (inflammation of a joint). Keep mobile, walk or swim, or go aqua jogging. Joint protection from even minor injury is a must, also avoid tripping up curbs, falling over stones or stumbling on rugs in the home, etc. Make sure you slowly build up to exercise when your physician says it is okay to do so.

Answer 2

The inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis is the immune system at work. the immune system in people with Rheumatoid arthritis is mistakenly under the impression that the cartilage that covers the ends of the bone in joints is a foreign object and as a result destroys it. This can be controlled to some degree and should be done as soon as possible to avoid as much damage to joints as possible as the damage is irreversible

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