Living with less pain… Understanding your rheumatoid arthritis

May is National

Arthritis Month

 

Is muscle or joint pain so severe that you can no longer

manage your normal activities? Are your fingers stiff and swollen making it

difficult to function? Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that

causes pain, stiffness, swelling and limited motion and decreases the ability

of many joints to work properly. For RA, the focus of inflammation is in the

tissue that lines the joint. Inflammation can also affect organs as well, such

as the eyes or lungs. Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, but with proper

treatment, the pain and discomfort should decrease and the poor function should

be minimal.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is also an autoimmune disease, meaning

that certain cells of the immune system do not work properly and start

attacking healthy tissues that mainly impacts the motion and function of many

joints. However, while it can affect any joint, the small joints in the hands

and feet tend to be involved most frequently. It is the most common form of

autoimmune arthritis and affects more than 1.3 million Americans. Of these,

about 75 percent are women and the disease commonly begins between the fourth

and sixth decades of life.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, it is

often challenging to diagnose RA because it may begin with subtle symptoms such

as achy joints or periodic stiffness in the morning. However, as these symptoms

are often common with many other medical conditions and diseases, it is

important to mention them to your primary care physician. There are several

exams and tests – such as a physical exam, lab tests and x-rays – that can be

performed to help diagnose RA but your physician may also consult with a

rheumatologist to help determine your diagnosis. A rheumatologist is a

physician who received additional training in the diagnosis and treatment of

arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases. They will work with the patient

to determine the most correct diagnosis of RA and to develop the most

appropriate treatment plan.

“The best treatment for RA should include more than just

medication alone,” says Maha Dawood, MD, Rheumatologist and member of the

Houston Medical Center medical staff. “Educating the patient and their family

members about the disease is also vital to the understanding and coping with

RA.” It is also important to make sure your physicians – even specialists – are

aware of your disease and current treatment plan. “Proper care for RA must

include the expertise of your team of providers,” states Dawood. “Making sure

each one is aware of your medical status and medications will only increase

your ability to manage this disease on a daily basis.”

As with any chronic condition, it’s important to remain physically

active. However, you know your body better than anyone.

Low-impact aerobic

exercises, walking and exercises that boost muscle strength can be done when

you feel like you can handle them. “The key is to not push yourself, but

exercise to a level that you and your physician are comfortable with,” adds

Dawood. Improving your overall health and reducing the pressure on your joints

is the goal of any exercise plan for patients with RA.

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