Rheumatoid arthritis - a chronic inflammatory disease that most commonly affects the small joints of the hands and feet. It causes painful inflammation, which as the disease can lead to the destruction of bone and joint deformities. It is an autoimmune disorder - ie, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system The immune system - how it works?   It produces antibodies Antibodies - "soldiers' immunity   to the tissues of its own body.

Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men; most often they become ill at the age of 40 to 60 years. In recent decades, the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis significantly increased and reliable method of its treatment still exists.

Rheumatoid arthritis - the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in the world. According to our estimates, in the United States, there are 1, 3 million people with the disease. The researchers say that after decades of decline the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, this disorder was slightly more common in women. This is the period from 1995 to 2007

Although it is still early to talk about whether to continue to increase in the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis, or the reason lies in factors of the environment, but it is certain that the therapy in the treatment of this disease over the past 10-20 years considerable progress.

At the early stage of rheumatoid arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications   It affects the smallest joints, which are in the hands and feet. Progression of the disease is often marked by the appearance of symptoms in the shoulders, elbows, knees, hands, hips, jaw and neck. In most cases, symptoms occur symmetrically - in joints on both sides of the body.

Causes

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis - debunking myths about the disease   Science is unknown, but studies allow to identify the main categories of factors that contribute to its occurrence: infectious (bacterial, viral and fungal infections), causing the autoimmune response of the organism, hereditary and hormonal. External factors, such as smoking, also increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Also, there is a perception that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. To understand the nature of the autoimmune disease, it is necessary to know how the immune system works. The human immune system cells and contains proteins which antagonize the infection. Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system is unable to "recognize" any organ or part of the body hit by a virus or bacteria. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the fact that the immune system produces antibodies to the synovium - the shell membranes located around the joints. As a result of this inflammation begins, because of which the synovium thickens, which ultimately can cause damage to cartilage and bone tissue. Tendons and ligaments that support the joint become weak and stretched. Gradually, the joint loses its shape and function.

Although rheumatoid arthritis affects other tissues, its primary "target" is the articular cartilage, which secretes synovial fluid needed for lubrication and nutrition of the joints. If the damage or destruction of the articular cartilage of the joint inflammation occurs as joint fluid are released. In some cases there may be damage to the tissue surrounding the joint, which can lead to deformities.

Doctors do not know why this process begins, although it is possible that there are genetic factors play a role. Although, obviously, no genes which themselves can lead to the development of rheumatoid arthritis, some of them make the body more vulnerable to factors that can be triggers of the disease.

Risk factors

• Paul. Women rheumatoid arthritis develops in several times more frequently than men.
• Age. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, but most often it occurs between 40 and 60 years.
• Family history. If your close relatives suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, you are at risk for the disease. According to available to date scientific data, not the person inherits rheumatoid arthritis, and a predisposition to it.
• Smoking increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Complications

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause serious damage to the joints, which is difficult or impossible to perform daily duties. Early treatment can slow or stop joint destruction, and the patient is permanently retain the familiar quality of life.

More and more people are suffering from the disease arthritis. Fortunately, there are many ways to relieve arthritic pain. According to the survey 47% of respondents said they remain active after the relief of pain and 44% reported that they became better sleep.

Preparations

It is known that formulations containing acetaminophen (paracetamol), are more effective. For example, the drug TYLENOL. Acetaminophen - pain reliever for people who want to avoid the side effects caused by the intake of analgesics. Among them are people who take a huge amount of drugs prescribed by a doctor. If in doubt, consult an expert. Formulations containing ibuprofen may also ease the pain of arthritis.

Tips from the

Sometimes, you seek the advice of others. Should we do it? Yes, it is possible, because it gives you the opportunity to share experiences and get advice. You can learn about new medications that relieve pain in arthritis, or learn how to resist stress How to beat stress? Create an oasis   and fatigue. Of course, many painkillers are not suitable for everyone. The result for each individual. Before taking a new medicine consult your doctor. Participation in online forums can also benefit you.

You hurt my knees?

It is necessary to lose weight, that you reduce the load on your knees. Count calories and give preference to a light breakfast and a balanced diet. Thus, you reduce your pain and cardio - vascular system will benefit.

Although arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications   and reduces the activity, you need to exercise Myths about exercise: do not believe . They can help reduce pain. Choose exercises that do not give a strong stress on joints: swimming, water aerobics Water aerobics: Lose Weight with pleasure , a bike. If you are walking, you feel pain, try to walk on the flat, soft surface, such as a lawn or use the escalator.

Arthritis navigate with caution. If you hurt your knees, go gently up the stairs. If you hurt your hand or you can not compress the hard brush, try to use objects with a thick handle and buying medicines in jars with a large lid. Tires for knees or elbows, rails and walking sticks to help you reduce the stress on the joints.

Help relieve the pain and heat and cold. The heat helps muscles to relax and chill fights inflammation. Most people start with the heat: hot or warm compress. If this does not help, go to the cold by applying ice compresses to aching joints. What this effectively can not say exactly, but it's worth it.

If arthritic pain is localized in certain joints, try acupuncture. Some are treated by this method and talk about its effectiveness, while others claim the opposite.

If ordinary painkillers do not help, consult a doctor with a request to write you a special preparations.