1. A Widespread Autoimmune Disease
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a joint related illness that affects an astounding number of 1 ½ million individuals in the United States year round. It is a chronic, inflammatory disorder that generally affects the thin, small joint structures located in the hands and feet. While there are treatment options available, there is no known cure for this disease. This is a painful disease that has grown in numbers throughout the years.
This autoimmune disease disrupts the lives of many people, both young and old. While Rheumatoid Arthritis does not discriminate against ages, it does have a preference for sex. RA is most prominent among females, it effects women nearly three times more than men. In this case, males have certainly lucked out. The small percentage of men that do get diagnosed with this disease are affected later in life, whereas most women begin displaying symptoms between ages 30 and 60.
2. Symptoms
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be extremely painful, but usually tends to fluctuate between different individuals. Some people experience more harsh symptoms, whereas others may feel slight pain or discomfort. This abrasive illness hits you hard in the knees, quite literally. A major symptom of Rheumatoid Arthritis is extreme joint stiffness in the early hours of the day, or upon first waking up. Inflamed or heated joints on the small bones of your hands, and wrists, are also common signs of this debilitating disease. While these exhibitions of pain may be confusing and upsetting, there is help for the illness. The most helpful thing you can do is seek a doctor’s help when you first begin noticing symptoms; this can increase your chances at living a relatively normal life.
Once a doctor assesses your condition, he or she will confirm or deny your level of Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you are afflicted with a high amount of pain, you may begin a test series to see which medicine best suits you. Your treatment should be monitored on a consistent basis to ensure continuous recovery. In addition to seeking medical advice, there are also ways you can help yourself manage the pain.
3. Exercise
Though it may sound incredibly painful, exercise is very beneficial to managing this condition. Sometimes it’s best to put mind over matter, and do what is right for your body. The results may surprise you. Exercising regularly can help lubricate joints and prevent excessive stiffness. Workout out also helps to strengthen the muscles that your joints rely on for continuous support.
Do not go crazy and try to implement too many different exercises all at once. Instead, develop a few easy exercises that you feel comfortable doing, and strive to improve daily. Great solutions for working your body out are daily walks, jumping jacks and stretches. Once an exercise regime is implemented and maintained, sufferers may notice a great world of difference in their pain levels.
4. Healthy Eating
Eating healthy is a very important part of any diet, more importantly so for those who are afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis. If you are not eating a good, nutrient rich diet, maybe you should consider changing the way you eat. The foods you consume are like fuel for your body and help build defenses for your immune system. While many people believe restricting gluten aids the symptoms of RA, it actually has a tendency to restrict nutrient consumption. This could have a negative impact on your system.
Our bodies need vitamins to thrive. Before adding any capsuled or store bought vitamins into your diet, consult with your medical doctor. Supplements such as turmeric aid in reducing inflammations in joints. While vitamins and supplements are very good for you, they may unintentionally interfere with medicine or pills you have been prescribed. Sometimes, it is better to be on the safe side.
Fruits and vegetables rich in color are generally filled with delicious vitamins. A diet rich in vegetables and fruits combined with a healthy intake of fish and vegetable is highly suggested for RA. Olive oil is very soothing for those with Rheumatoid Arthritis; it has a healing quality similar to that of Ibuprofen. This variety of food helps to prevent joints from becoming irritated and inflamed. If you are looking for suggestions, try searching for The Mediterranean diet, this is praised by nutritionists.
5. Genetics
Over the years scientists have developed many theories related to Rheumatoid Arthritis. They now believe that it is a hereditary disease. Despite the genetic nature, it is not definite that this disease is passed to your children. The ugly Rheumatoid Arthritis gene is passed on. Your offspring will have a greater chance at inheriting the disease if it runs in the family, but it is not one hundred percent definite. That knowledge, combined with experiencing the disease first hand can put parent’s worried mind’s at ease. If you, yourself have been afflicted with the illness and experience symptoms, you can look closer at your child. If they are exhibiting any symptoms of RA, your sharp eye should be able to catch them quickly. From there on, take your loved one to a professional specialist to get help as quickly as possible. While it can be a scary diagnosis, there is always hope to fall back on.
6. Rheumatoid Arthritis in Pop Culture
The autoimmune disorder had it’s very first case documented in the 1800’s. While medical technology was very basic in early years, they diagnosed based on physical symptoms and pain levels. Throughout the years over a million people have suffered from the illness. Among the individuals afflicted with RA include a few pretty famous faces.
While it is widely debated by the public and medical field, due to lack of medical testing abilities at the time. Lucille Ball is believed to have suffered from the disease. The actress experienced a great deal of joint pain in her late teen years and suffered from joint flare ups so bad she could not walk for periods of time. The late actress had a successful career in film and television; she remains one of the best comics of all time.
Yet another successful individual with RA, Sandy Koufax. The baseball legend is believed to have had the autoimmune disease, but some doctors negate the possibility because of technology delays at the time of diagnosis.
Overall
Though Rheumatoid Arthritis is a prominent and painful disease among Americans, it is not impossible to live with. With the proper care, exercise and dietary intake, individuals with RA can lead a relatively normal life and become rather successful.