Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious medical condition that requires attention. It is different from the commonly diagnosed osteoarthritis, as its symptoms involve more than just the pain and aching feeling of osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that is caused by joint-, bone- and cartilage-destroying antibodies created by the body's immune system. There is currently no consensus as to the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, nor a cure for the disease.
Diagnosis
Medical practitioners generally refer individuals with a potential rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis to a rheumatologist. This licensed medical professional specializes in diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, as well as other joint, muscle and bone diseases. The rheumatologist examines potential symptoms and draws blood for laboratory testing to examine the levels of antibodies and proteins.
Symptoms in the Hands
Osteoarthritis is found frequently in overweight people and those who lack exercise, but rheumatoid arthritis attacks all body types and occurs even in fit persons. Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in the hands include redness and slight stiffness, usually appearing in the morning and disappearing later in the day. Pain and excessive warmth in the hands usually accompanies the swelling, according to a summary report by the Medical School at the University of Washington. The hands also usually appear puffy or slightly swollen. These symptoms may go into remission or return in "flash" episodes over a lifetime. As the disease progresses in some sufferers, the pain, stiffness and swelling in the hands becomes constant and more severe.
Symptoms in the Fingers
The fingers of long-term rheumatoid arthritis sufferers show the most damaging ravages of the disease. Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis located in the fingers include stiff, swollen and red-colored knuckles. This may be felt in one or both knuckles in one or numerous fingers. Flashes of pain or constant pain are also present in most cases. Tingling pain may also occur. Longtime sufferers frequently experience finger disfigurement that requires surgery either to fuse fingers or replace joints.
Typical Treatment
Early treatment is critical to lessening the disabling effects of rheumatoid arthritis. A combination of rest, exercise and drugs is frequently prescribed. Anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin, is currently the most prescribed drug, according to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Drug therapy programs, including the use of Remicade, Humira and Enbrel, are typically put in place to lessen the severity of symptoms in hands and fingers.
More Rigorous Treatments
Rituxan and Orencia are the next level of drug therapy, should the first group of drugs prove ineffective. Although corticosteroids, including prednisone and cortisone are routinely prescribed in large amounts, their use for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers is widely debated in the medical literature.
