The most debilitating form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Unlike other forms of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It attacks joints and internal organs, causing severe inflammations and pain.
This form of arthritis is very fast-acting. It causes 75 per cent of damage during the first five years (over 50% damage happens during the first two years) - so we have to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. Otherwise most of the damage will be done before we can react. It is especially important as there is no way o undo the damage done by RA - so far it is incurable.
The most common drugs used to keep RA in check are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (so-called NSAID). Some of them can be bought without a prescription, others need to be prescribed by your doctor. As their name suggest, they minimize the negative effects of RA by decreasing the inflammation. They have a similar effect to Omega-3 fatty acids, which are also recommended as a part of the diet. While most of Americans do not include enough Omega-3 fatty acids-rich food (albacore tuna or salmon), it is recommended to use such food supplements as Omega Daily to make up for it.
Biologics are another branch of anti-RA drugs. They work by modifying the body's reactions in an attempt to stop the immune system from attacking the joints. They are quite effective, but their price is much above the level of an average citizen - especially that this treatment is covered only by the most expensive policies.
There is also a cheaper alternative to BRM, commonly used to combat rheumatoid arthritis: Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (example: Methotrexate). Their main goal is to reduce the damage done to joints by the disease. Needless to say, they are prescription-only drugs.
Besides medications, there is also a few other things you may want to do in order to make your life with rheumatoid arthritis easier. First, you need to accept that RA won't go, so you can't simply "wait until it is gone." While some activities are beyond of your reach, it does not mean that you can only sit down and watch TV. Another important thing is that you need to do some sport. While you may feel it is safer to put no stress at all to your joints, this will only speed up the disease progress. Strong muscles reduce the impact of RA and increase the flexibility of your joints. However, you'd better choose such exercises that do not harm your joints - usually swimming is the best idea.
The exact reason for rheumatoid arthritis is, so far, unknown. It may be hereditary, but some researchers still consider the possibility of RA being infectious, so no one can really feel safe. As RA does most of the damage very quickly, you need to consult your doctor as soon as you start to suspect that you may have joints inflammations or when you feel the morning stiffness. RA needs to be treated as soon as possible.
This form of arthritis is very fast-acting. It causes 75 per cent of damage during the first five years (over 50% damage happens during the first two years) - so we have to have it diagnosed as soon as possible. Otherwise most of the damage will be done before we can react. It is especially important as there is no way o undo the damage done by RA - so far it is incurable.
The most common drugs used to keep RA in check are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (so-called NSAID). Some of them can be bought without a prescription, others need to be prescribed by your doctor. As their name suggest, they minimize the negative effects of RA by decreasing the inflammation. They have a similar effect to Omega-3 fatty acids, which are also recommended as a part of the diet. While most of Americans do not include enough Omega-3 fatty acids-rich food (albacore tuna or salmon), it is recommended to use such food supplements as Omega Daily to make up for it.
Biologics are another branch of anti-RA drugs. They work by modifying the body's reactions in an attempt to stop the immune system from attacking the joints. They are quite effective, but their price is much above the level of an average citizen - especially that this treatment is covered only by the most expensive policies.
There is also a cheaper alternative to BRM, commonly used to combat rheumatoid arthritis: Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (example: Methotrexate). Their main goal is to reduce the damage done to joints by the disease. Needless to say, they are prescription-only drugs.
Besides medications, there is also a few other things you may want to do in order to make your life with rheumatoid arthritis easier. First, you need to accept that RA won't go, so you can't simply "wait until it is gone." While some activities are beyond of your reach, it does not mean that you can only sit down and watch TV. Another important thing is that you need to do some sport. While you may feel it is safer to put no stress at all to your joints, this will only speed up the disease progress. Strong muscles reduce the impact of RA and increase the flexibility of your joints. However, you'd better choose such exercises that do not harm your joints - usually swimming is the best idea.
The exact reason for rheumatoid arthritis is, so far, unknown. It may be hereditary, but some researchers still consider the possibility of RA being infectious, so no one can really feel safe. As RA does most of the damage very quickly, you need to consult your doctor as soon as you start to suspect that you may have joints inflammations or when you feel the morning stiffness. RA needs to be treated as soon as possible.
About the Author:
About this Author: John Andrews reports on subjects that are important in helping people help themselves. For more information on Omega Daily and Omega-3 fatty acids just click on the links.
