Rheumatoid arthritis varies in the way it presents in patients. For some, the onset is gradual, while others may experience high levels of pain from the beginning. The Arthritis Foundation estimates that 1.3 million Americans suffer from this disease, and there is no known cure. But there are several treatments, including medication, lifestyle and damage prevention. Some patients also experience a remission of their symptoms, which is to say they may stop for a time before returning. These times of remission vary and are unpredictable.
Onset
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis fluctuate with the activity of the disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, patients often experience fatigue, a low-grade fever and joint stiffness. As the disease progresses, joints may become red, swollen and painful. The inflammation will often occur in matching joints rather than just one, so both wrists or both knees are usually affected. Patients frequently experience loss of appetite and a sense of weakness when the disease is active.
Progression
Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in smaller joints and gradually spreads to include larger joints such as knees and shoulders. The typical ebb and flow of the activity of the disease includes remissions and flare-ups, although the frequency and duration will vary from patient to patient. The ongoing inflammation of the joints can cause a breakdown of the cartilage or bone and often leads to deformity and even loss of use in the long term.
Effects
In rheumatoid arthritis, antibodies within the body malfunction and attack healthy cells. This inflammation can expand from the joints to affect other areas and trigger the onset of other conditions. Anemia (reduced number of red blood cells) is very common when rheumatoid arthritis is present. Other conditions include Sjogren's syndrome (marked by dryness of the eyes and mouth), pleuritis (inflammation of the lungs) and vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels).
Lifestyle
Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis should take steps to slow the progression of the disease. There are a number of medications available to minimize the symptoms of pain and swelling and allow you to maintain some level of activity. When symptom activity is low, gentle exercises are helpful to build up the muscles and help support affected joints. Some patients enjoy water aerobics as the water minimizes impact while providing gentle resistance. Fatigue is common in this condition and is a signal that you need to rest.
Concerns
Ongoing episodes of fatigue, pain and limited activity sometimes create other symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Some patients feel overwhelmed that they are not able to maintain the same active lifestyles. Others may experience depression or anxiety when they focus on the long-term prognosis. It may be helpful to work with your physician to finds ways of coping with your illness by networking with others who have the same disease and contacting supportive organization like the Arthritis Foundation. These resources may help you find alternative ways of completing tasks and managing the disease.
