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Saturday, 31 of July of 2010

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Attacking Arthritis

Women are constantly faced with the threat of Rheumatoid Arthritis. A chronic, inflammatory disease that damages joint tissue and other areas of the body, this condition causes debilitating pain and immobility among those who suffer from it.

According to the American Medical Women’s Association, women are three times more likely to be faced with RA than men. In 2004, there were over two million cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis in the US. With statistics as jarring as these, it is evident that women should sit up and take notice of this disease.

The cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis remains to be unclear, but several risk factors have been identified.

  • Age. RA is more likely found in people 20 to 50 years old. As age increases, so does the risk it poses.
  • Smoking. According to studies, cases of RA in heavy smokers were far worse than those who did not smoke.
  • Genetic Make Up. Those with first-degree relatives who have RA are 2 to 4 times more likely to experience the disease as well. Those who experience a severe form of RA are 7 times more likely to pass it on.

Because Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic condition, not all its symptoms can be evident at early onset. The severity of the disease ranges from person to person, which is why doctors conduct several tests to properly diagnose RA.

  • Patient History. The changes in stiffness, the flexibility of one’s joints and the level of pain one experience can indicate how your RA changes through time.
  • Blood Work. Elevated ESR (erythrocyte) levels mean that your body is suffering from inflammation. This factor can also spell the difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Lab tests can also show the presence of Rheumatoid Factor—an antibody carried by some patients who have the disease.
  • X-Rays. Imaging tests are important in finding out the degree of destruction a patient’s joints have gone through. This technique is mostly used in patients who have suffered long term RA.

In order to combat the ill effects of arthritis, it is imperative that women make healthy lifestyle choices and treat their bodies with the care it deserves.

  • Regular Exercise. This keeps joints flexible and mobile, and allows for the build up of muscle strength.
  • Care for Joints. Splints are handy devices that offer support and help reduce pain and swelling.
  • Relaxation. Emotional and physical stress must be at a minimum when one suffers from RA.

With technology on the side of those who battle against rheumatoid arthritis, it is certainly easy to combat this disease as early as it is detected. The attack against rheumatoid arthritis does not come easy, but can be incorporated in one’s lifestyle given the proper health choices and care.

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