Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis that causes swelling in the joints. Apart from affecting the joints, it may also affect other parts of the body, including the eyes, lungs, heart, nerves, blood or kidneys.
Causes
The exact reason for rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown. It is believed that environmental factors, genetics, and hormones develop this disease.
Symptoms
- Joint pain and swelling of wrists, fingers, and feet.
- anemia
- stiffness
- tiredness (fatigue), depression, irritability
- feeling hot and sweating.
- fleshy lumps on hands feet or below elbows
Treatment
Rheumatoid arthritis is treated mainly by –
- Physiotherapy (exercises and relaxation techniques)
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Treating anaemia
- Vitamins
- Drugs – painkillers, NSAIDs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, DMARDs – disease-modifying Anti-rheumatic drugs
- Surgery