// BEGIN editorial data var i = 0; var RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3 = new Array(); RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.ID = "RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3"; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.ID_WB = 3274988; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.sPubDate = "4/24/2007 6:31:31 PM GMT"; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.navsectionID = "3088327" RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.appFmt = 2; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.itemsPerPage = 1; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.appWidth = 460; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.appHeader = "Q & A|Rheumatoid arthritis"; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.appFooter = "Source: The Arthritis Foundation"; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.appNavStyle = 3; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.appLayout = 3; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.copyHeight = 165; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.copyWidth = 310; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3.copyMargin = 9; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What is it?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i-1].body = "Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, involves inflammation in the lining of the joints and/or other internal organs. RA typically affects many different joints. It can be chronic or can be a disease of flares and remissions.

RA, which affects the entire body, is characterized by the inflammation of the membrane lining the joint, which causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness and swelling. The inflamed joint lining can invade and damage bone and cartilage. Inflammatory cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage. The involved joint can lose its shape and alignment, resulting in pain and loss of movement."; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What are the symptoms?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i-1].body = "Major symptoms include inflammation of joints, swelling, difficulty moving and pain. Pain and swelling may occur in the same joints on both sides of the body and will usually start in the hands or feet. RA affects the wrist and many of the hand joints, but usually not the joints that are closest to the fingernails (except the thumb). RA also can affect elbows, shoulders, neck, knees, hips and ankles. It tends to persist over prolonged periods of time, and over time, inflamed joints may become damaged.

Other symptoms include: loss of appetite, fever, loss of energy, anemia and rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue under the skin."; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i++] = new Array("","Who's at risk?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i-1].body = "

  • Rheumatoid arthritis affects 2.1 million Americans, mostly women
  • Onset is usually in middle-age, but often occurs in the 20s and 30s
  • 1.5 million women have rheumatoid arthritis compared to 600,000 men "; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What causes it?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i-1].body = "The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not yet known. However, it is known that RA is an autoimmune disease. The body's natural immune system does not operate as it should, resulting in the immune system attacking healthy joint tissue and causing inflammation and subsequent joint damage.

    Researchers suspect that virus-like agents may trigger RA in some people who have an inherited tendency for the disease. Many people with RA share a certain genetic marker."; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i++] = new Array("","What are the warning signs?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i-1].body = "If you have any of these signs in or around a joint for more than two weeks, see your doctor.

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Swelling
  • Difficulty moving joint"; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i++] = new Array("","How is it treated?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i-1].body = "Highly effective drug treatments exist for rheumatoid arthritis. Early treatment is critical. Current treatment methods focus on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, stopping or slowing joint damage, and improving patient function and well-being. Medications can be divided into two groups:
  • Symptomatic medications, such as NSAIDs and aspirin, analgesics, and glucocorticoids, help reduce joint pain, stiffness and swelling. These drugs may be used in combination.
  • Disease-modifying medications include low doses of methotrexate, leflunomide, D-Penicillamine, sulfasalazine, gold therapy, minocycline, azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine (and other antimalarials), cyclosporine and biologic response modifiers.

    People with moderate to severe RA who have not responded well to disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs may opt to try Prosorba therapy.

    In addition, treatment most often involves some combination of exercise, rest, joint protection, and physical and occupational therapy. Surgery is available for joints that are damaged and painful. "; RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i++] = new Array("","Are there any tips for managing pain?","","","","", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", "", ""); RheumatoidArthritisQA_wb3[i-1].body = "

  • Exercise regularly
  • Use correct posture to help your joints stay aligned properly
  • Listen to your body for signals that it needs to rest
  • Use assistive devices such as splints and braces to help stabilize joints, provide strength and reduce pain and inflammation
  • Ask your doctor about hot tub therapy
  • Get enough sleep
  • Consider massage
  • Practice relaxation techniques"; // END editorial data