| In the United States an estimated 2.1 million people | | | | likely symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. |
| have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, a | | | | If one or more these symptoms occur a doctor's |
| chronic condition which causes the body's immune | | | | appointment should be made as soon as possible for |
| system to attack healthy joints. This auto immune | | | | true diagnosis. Blood tests are taken to screen for |
| disease brings about painful inflammation in the lining | | | | the Rheumatoid factor, the autoantibody which turns |
| of joint tissue but it can also attack other areas of | | | | the immune system against its own tissues. X rays |
| the body such as the heart, lungs, eyes and blood | | | | may be done in order for the doctor to have a |
| vessels. Permanent damage and disfigurement is | | | | complete prospective of possible joint damage. A |
| inevitable if the disease is left untreated. | | | | rheumatologist, a rheumatoid arthritis specialist who is |
| The first step in treatment and prevention of | | | | able to give specific input, should be involved in the |
| impairment is to understand and identify the signs | | | | patients further health care. |
| and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Sore, stiff | | | | There are new procedures and treatments for |
| joints in the hands, knees, elbows and feet are | | | | symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis more and more |
| common, and are symmetric which means it will | | | | each year. The earlier a patient is diagnosed the |
| happen on both sides of the body. Morning stiffness | | | | more chances of preventing joint damage, putting |
| that last for 30 minutes or more, fatigue, aching and | | | | the disease into remission, and carrying on an active, |
| or flu like feelings, swelling or redness of joints are | | | | normal life. |