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Multiple joints are usually inflamed in symmetrical pattern and
joints of both hands and wrists are often affected. Simple tasks such as turning
door knob and opening
jars can be painful. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect
joint responsible for
tightening of vocal cords to change
tone of
voice although rarely. But when this happens, it can cause hoarseness of
voice.
As mentioned before, rheumatoid arthritis is a systematic disease which can affect organs and areas of
body other than
joints. Sjorgen's syndrome is
inflammation of
glands of
eyes and mouth which causes dryness. Rheumatoid inflammation of
lung lining can cause chest pains because
lung tissue itself is inflamed and nodules of inflammation also develop within
lungs. Rheumatoid arthritis can also reduce
number of red blood cells which can result to anemia and white blood cells which can result to increase risk of infections. A rare, serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis is blood vessel inflammation which can impair blood supply to tissues and lead to death of tissues.
A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other related diseases. The rheumatologist reviews
history of symptoms, examines
joints, and
other parts of
body for
inflammation. The diagnosis is usually based on
pattern of symptoms,
distribution of
inflamed joints, and
blood and x-rays obtained.
Until now, there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Reducing joint inflammation and pain, maximizing joint function, and preventing joint destruction is
current goal in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Early medical intervention has been found to improve outcomes in treatment. Optimal treatment includes combination of medications, joint strengthening exercises, joint protection, and patient education. Treatment is customized according to many factors such as disease activity, types of joints involved, general health, age, and occupation. But treatment is most successful when there is close cooperation between
doctor and
patient.
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Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about arthritis, please go to: http://arthritis.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/