About Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Rheumatoid Arthritis is treatable. You can live well with RA. It takes a joint effort between you and your doctor.

Rheumatoid Arthritis happens when your body’s own defense system doesn’t work properly, in other words, it does not recognize itself.    It is an autoimmune disease.  RA is an inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints

More than 2.1 million people in the United States have RA. It occurs in all races and ethnic groups.  More women than men get RA. It is not an old person’s disease, children, and young adults get Rheumatoid Arthritis too!

The warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis:

• Fatigue
• Occasional fevers
• General sense of not feeling well
• Tender, warm swollen joints
• Pain and stiffness lasting more than 30 mins. In the morning or after a long rest

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

Because symptoms differ from person to person and it can manifest itself with symptoms similar to other arthritis’ and joint conditions, you and your doctor will start at the beginning. This includes:

• Medical History: A description of symptoms when and how they began. Open communication with your doctor about how you function now and how you have functioned in the passed.
• Physical Examination: An examination by your doctor of joints, skin reflexes and muscle strength.
• Laboratory Tests: One common test is for rheumatoid factor.  Other tests that are common include: White blood cell count, a test for anemia, a sed rate, which measures inflammation in the body, and a C-reactive protein which measure disease activity.
• X-rays: Will be ordered to determine the degree of joint destruction and to monitor progression of the disease.

How is rheumatoid arthritis treated?

Treatment will be determined after talking with a doctor.  Goals will be set to: relieve pain; reduce inflammation; slow down or stop joint damage and improve the person’s well being and ability to function.

• Stress Reduction: Emotions combined with any pain and physical limitation can increase stress levels.  Exercise, talking with people who understand, communication with doctors, help reduce stress.
• Helpful Diet:  With exercise and a good diet, both contribute to a better life. NOTE: Most RA medications require you to either significantly or eliminate altogether any alcohol consumption.  The long term effects on your liver are one of the reasons.
• Climate: There is no evidence that a specific climate can prevent or reduce rheumatoid arthritis.
• Medications: It is very important that patients speak with their doctor before taking any medication, everyone reacts differently, and medications react differently on all patients. No changes should be made without first discussing it with your doctor.  This includes adding any “natural” medications or substitutes, and over the counter medications (even for a cold or a headache).
• DMARDS: Disease fighting anti rheumatic drugs. Are used to try and slow the course of disease.
• Biologic Response modifiers: These can help reduce inflammation and structural damage (i.e. Enbrel, Remicade, and Humira).
• Prednisone: This is used for severe flares and when disease is responding well with DMARDS alone.
• Methotrexate: This can produce a more long term response.  It is available in pill and by injection, (to be determined with your doctor).

There are several other medications that are also available, but only your doctor can make those decisions with you. The few medications mentioned can be taken by themselves or together.  Again, that determination can only be made by your doctor and is determined by regular checkups and laboratory follow ups.

Remember, with open and good communication with your health care provider(s), you CAN LIVE WELL WITH ARTHRITIS.