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It all depends on how you are dealing with the disease. For example if you find that you are suffering from inflammation caused by RA in your hands and this is likely to be happening in both hands as this is the nature of the disease.
RA is painful and will restrict the amount of movement you can get out of your fingers. For example you won't be able to make a tight fist or flatten your hands out. the most comfortable position for them will be in a sort of claw position. You will also find that the strength you require to do certain things like open bottles and even operate doorknobs and taps can at times become extremely painful. If you have RA you will note a slight swelling and heat around the joints which will get worse if you don't get something to reduce the inflammation causing all of this. The inflammation that is causing this is a result of a malfunction of the immune system and in this case it is mistaking your cartilage as foreign material that needs to be destroyed and disposed of. while this is happening other chemicals are formed that destroy neighbouring tissue and bone as well. Without treatment RA can often lead to deformity of the hands and totally immobilise them which inturn leads to the muscles and nerves in the area also becoming useless. It is very important to the future of the hands that the inflamation is kept under controll.
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Rheumatoid arthritis in hands surgical appliances?
Damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis can lead to a replacement of damaged joints.
Does arthritis affect the circulatory system?
Inflamatory arthritis like rheumatoid can.
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the Kidney?
RA is not known to have a direct affect on kidneys, however some the drugs used in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis are likely to bring about kidney problems unless they are monitored carefully.
Can you catch Rheumatoid Arthritis from eating after someone who has it?
No, Rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious.
Does Arthritis affect your joint capsule?
Rheumatoid arthritis for example will totly destroy it over time if it is not kept under controll
Is there a disease similar to arthritis that effects only the hands?
If you are getting the symptoms of arthritis in both hands then it is likely that you have RA rheumatoid Arthritis it would be wise to have this checked out with your doctor in order to prevent the damage that this disease can do to your hands and other joints that are not presently effected.
Am I at risk for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is not a hereditary condition. While it is not passed down parents, certain genes that make you more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis are.
Is Milwaukee shoulder a form of rheumatoid arthritis?
No, Milwaukee shoulder is not a type of rheumatoid arthritis.
Can arthritis affect children as young as the age of six years old?
Yes. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) can appear in kids that young.
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the blood?
It is not unusual for Anemia or "low blood" to accompany rheumatoid arthritis. Anemia indicates a low number of red blood cells and that these cells are low in hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen through the body. A low white blood cell count (leukopenia) can occur as a result of Felty's syndrome which is a complication of rheumatoid arthritis that is also characterized by enlargement of the spleen.
What is the difference between arthritis and seronegative arthritis?
Arthritis comes in over a hundred different forms. However when referring to rheumatoid arthritis a blood test is done the checks for rheumatoid factor (RF). In about 70to 80% of cases rheumatoid arthritis will be accompanied by a positive RF. However in the rest of the cases where all indicators point to Rheumatoid arthritis and where no RF is found it is referred to a seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.
An Introduction to Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that effects the joints. Most commonly, the disease manifests in the joints of the hands and feet. The disease causes the immune system to attack the body's tissues and can lead to severe joint damage and other issues.What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis may experience swelling or tenderness in the joints, stiffness in the early hours of the day, bumpy masses of tissue under the skin, weight loss, unusual tiredness and fever. During the early stages of the disease, patients may notice pain in the joints of the hands and feet. Eventually, symptoms may spread to other joints like the knees, hips or shoulders. Symptoms often flare up, becoming severe for a period of time, before calming during a remission period.What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?Doctors are not sure what causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissues, but the disease is likely genetic.What are the Risk Factors for Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis?Numerous factors may affect the risk of developing this disease. Women and the elderly are more likely than men or young people to develop the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis may also run in families. Smoking is also a risk factor.What are the Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis?Rheumatoid arthritis can affect more than just joints. Patients diagnosed with the rheumatoid arthritis are at a higher risk for developing osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the skeleton and can cause bone fractures. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause cardiovascular problems, carpal tunnel syndrome and lung disease.How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?Rheumatoid arthritis can be a challenge to diagnose because the symptoms are often similar to those of other diseases. There is no one procedure that can be done to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis but doctors may perform a physical exam, blood tests or x-rays to diagnose the disease.
