RA--What Is It And How To Treat It?
Do you have widespread and prolonged joint pain? Are you stiff, sore, and unable to move like you used to? You may have a condition called rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes joint pain and damage throughout your body.
RA, or rheumatoid arthritis develops equally on both sides of the body, and it is this factor that distinguishes it from other types of degenerative joint disorders. Treatment of RA is quite effective if the condition is diagnosed early. Read on to see if your pain and discomfort could be the development of RA, and what you can do to reduce and even eliminate symptoms to regain your energy and your mobility back.
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Symptoms of RA
RA's chronic pain and inflammation are marked by the onset of inflammation and pain in the joints. This pain and discomfort comes and goes; there are times when a person develops flare-ups, and everything seems more painful and draining than before. At other times, a complete remission of symptoms is experienced, and one feels as if nothing is wrong. These periods of remission should not be an excuse to put off seeing a doctor, however, as inflammation and damage of joints are still taking place. Signs of rheumatoid arthritis that may be becoming more prevalent are:
- joint pain
- joint stiffness and swelling
- loss of joint function an deformity
Diagnosing RA
Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis can be complicated; you will likely undergo a series of lab tests as well as questions about your entire medical history to determine if your joint pain is, in fact, RA.
Your doctor will begin by asking you questions about your medical history. This will include any prior surgeries, trauma, medical history of relatives, and any other underlying medical conditions that you may have. In addition to these questions, he/she may:
- look for signs of redness and swelling
- examine your joint function and range of motion
- look at affected joints to check for warmth and tenderness
- test your reflexes and muscle strength
No single test is enough to determine a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Your doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist, or they may perform a series of blood tests to check for antibodies that indicate the presence of an autoimmune condition. Other tests such as an ultrasound, an MRI, or an x-ray can indicate the presence of mobility issues and swelling; using all of this information, your doctor or medical care team will work toward finding a definitive diagnosis and providing care that will ease your pain and stiffness.
I've been diagnosed....now what?
While there is not yet a cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are effective treatments that can manage pain and improve joint mobility. Suggested treatments for RA could include medication combinations, dietary changes, stress management techniques, alternative or home therapies, and specific types of exercise. Working with your doctor to find the right combination of therapies specific to your condition will hopefully get you on the path to health and healing once more.
It is not a sentence.....but an opportunity
Rheumatoid arthritis is not a life sentence, but rather an opportunity to find alternative ways for growth, health, and healing. Often a disease diagnosis like RA is a wake-up call for you to pay greater attention to your own health and wellness. Embrace the journey, learn more about yourself, and be thankful for the gifts of therapy and medicinal intervention that are coming your way.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.
