Orthopedic Doctor in NYC - What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disorder that affects the joints and the tissues surrounding them. It is considered an autoimmune disease. Other examples of autoimmune disorders are lupus, multiple sclerosis, and Graves' disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disorder. More than two million people in the United States suffer from it; most of these are women. Although the disease can strike at any age, most people who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are between the ages of 40 and 60. Orthopedic Doctor in NYC is helping hundreds of people each year.

Autoimmune Disease

The body's autoimmune system is designed to protect the person from infection and disease. In the case of a person with an autoimmune disease, this protective system turns on the individual instead of working to protect him or her from these conditions.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain and swelling in the affected joints. The joints will also feel hot. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in the body; it is most likely to strike the hands and feet. All these symptoms are called inflammation. Other internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, or eyes, can be affected by inflammation.

Chronic Illness

Since this form of arthritis can last for a number of years, it is considered a chronic condition. That does not mean that the sufferer will have symptoms on a continuous basis; a person can be symptom-free for long periods of time. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a progressive disease. Over time, the joints may become damaged.

Joint Damage

The inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can lead to joint damage. The bones, ligaments, and cartilage can deteriorate and the joint becomes deformed over time. It is not uncommon for rheumatoid arthritis to run in families.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

To date, the cause of this disorder remains a mystery. Research is being conducted in an attempt to find out what the trigger is for the disease. It has been suggested that bacteria or viruses play a role, but this has yet to be proved. Another theory is that environmental factors are to blame.

Scientists have recently been able to find a link between smoking and the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking increases a person's risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. This is yet another reason to stay away from tobacco products.

Getting Diagnosed

If you suspect you may have rheumatoid arthritis, the first step to being diagnosed is to see your doctor. He or she will take a medical history and examine the joints to check for inflammation and signs of deformity. The doctor may order x-rays and/or blood tests. To get the correct diagnosis, the patient may be sent to a rheumatologist (a doctor who has specialized training in rheumatic diseases).

One of the signs of rheumatoid arthritis is when the joint swelling is found on both sides of the body. If the swelling is only present in one or two places, it becomes more challenging for a doctor to make a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. It may be possible that the person has a different form of arthritis. Orthopedic Doctor in NYC offering the best treatments for rheumatoid arthritis. Get a free consultation by calling at (646) 480-1259