Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints.
Within the body, joints are the points where bones come together and allow for movement.
Most of these joints those called synovial joints also provide shock absorption.
Inflammation ensues the synovium thickens, causing swelling, redness, warmth, and pain in the synovial joint.
Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Hereditary?
How Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?
The diagnostic process typically begins when a doctor gets your medical history and conducts a physical exam.
you’re able to still have symmetrical inflammatory arthritis with or without systemic markers of inflammation.
In the future, doctors may be able todiagnose RA using (noninvasive) infrared light.
The Different Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is classified as either seropositive orseronegative.
People with seropositive RA have ACPAs, also called anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides, found in theirblood test.
These antibodies attack the synovial joints and producesymptoms of RA.
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People withseronegative RAhave the disease without the presence of the antibodies or RF in their blood.
Proven treatments include medication and physical therapy.
Biologics and JAK inhibitors are options alongside traditional DMARDs.
You should always check with your medical provider before trying any complementary or alternative therapies.
It publishes two medical journals (Arthritis & RheumatologyandArthritis Care & Research) and promotes research into rheumatological conditions.
TheArthritis Foundationis a nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis.
The foundation provides information and resources, access to optimal care, advancements in science, and community networking.
Favorite Online Support web connection for RA
TheLive Yes!
The nonslip grip will help increase the friction of any surface you grab.
Its recommended for people with arthritis, to preserve your joints the strain of twisting stubborn lids.
Hamilton Beach Smooth Touch Electric Can Opener$31.85
The Smooth Touch can open both pop-top and regular cans.
IMAK remains one of the easiest brands of gloves to find, both online and in stores.
The blanket comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes to fit all standard-size beds.
Mariah Leach wasdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritisat age 25 while pursuing dual graduate degrees.
In addition to her blog, Leach writes for various health websites.
In 2021, it will be held virtually, due to COVID-19.
Find the latest, most accurate information in our guide.
She maintains a multidisciplinary vasculitis clinic and supervises a longitudinal registry of lupus nephritis and vasculitis patients.
Her clinical research is in improving patientphysician communication.
Her interests in medical-education research include remediation and work with struggling learners.
Dr. Meara received her medical degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.
Joseph Bennington-Castro is a science writer based in Hawaii.
