There is no cure known cure for RA, but with early diagnosis and right treatment, you can take control of your disease and avoid permanent damage to your joints. People with rheumatoid arthritis usually need lifelong treatment. In addition to medication, rheumatoid arthritis can be effectively controlled with physical therapy and regular exercise.
The term arthritis refers to more than a hundred conditions that cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Many misconceptions surround arthritis, one of which is the common notion that it's a disorder that only strike the elderly. But the truth is, joint disorders can affect anyone, even children are not spared from these problems. In the US, there are nearly 300,000 children suffering from arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease which mainly attacks the joints, but may also affect other tissues and organs. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent damage to the joints. Read more about joints and surrounding structures.
In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the cells fail to recognize the difference between the body's own healthy cells and potentially harmful stimuli such as disease-causing microorganisms. Inflammation is the body's natural response to what it perceives as threat. The body's immune system triggers inflammation to fight harmful stimuli and to allow affected tissues to heal. Once the body is able to ward off harmful invaders such as bacteria or viruses, inflammation naturally goes away. However, in rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation stays and contributes to the problem. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system releases substances that can damage the body's healthy tissues, causing deformities, pain, and a limited range of motion.
It has been estimated that rheumatoid arthritis is responsible for 250,000 hospitalizations and 9 million physician visits each year. This chronic disorder has a significant impact on work and productivity. If left untreated, people with rheumatoid arthritis will be at risk of disability within early years of diagnosis.
In rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to initiate aggressive therapy on the early course of the disease in order to modify its progression. Understanding the symptoms and characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis can hep you to maintain an active lifestyle and prevent permanent complications.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psychological Health
Rheumatoid arthritis causes more than joint pain and limited mobility. It can also significantly affect a person's psychological well being. One of the common problems experienced by patients with chronic pain is depression.
A study shows that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to experience depression, but chances are, they don't talk to their doctors about it. Investigators of this study also found out that only one in five of the patients with arthritis and depression discussed it with their rheumatologists. According to the lead author, the patients do not talk to their doctors about depression because their arthritis is understandably the main focus.
Depression is a problem that should not be ignored because it may affect one's daily functioning and overall quality of life. If you experience depressive symptoms, don't hesitate to discuss it with your doctor. It is important to identify what has been contributing to your depression so that psychological therapy can be tailored to help you to cope with these stressors.
There are a variety of treatment options for depression and overcoming this health challenge is achievable. In addition to medications and psychological treatment, there are many things you can do that may help when you are feeling depressed. Below are some suggestions that you might consider
Outdoor exercise. Research shows that having some sort of contact with nature improves a person's mood and makes them feel less stressed. It was found that activities like walking in a park-like setting was more beneficial for mood and self-esteem compared to walking in a shopping center.
More on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise
More on Depression and Exercise
Keep a journal. Writing down your feelings is among the best self-help techniques. It can be a good way to learn more about your thoughts, and it allows you to think about alternative solutions to your problems.
Take time out to relax. High level of stress and lack of relaxation can develop negative thinking that can later on lead to depression. People who neglect themselves become easily overwhelmed by different events happening in their life. This is the reason why people should learn to let go once in a while so they can handle their hectic lives again. It is a good idea to take some time off to engage in activities that you enjoy. Relaxation can help you cope with stress. If you get to relax periodically, you will fee refreshed you will be able to face the world with confidence and this helps you fight off depression.
