Disease Center | Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Arthritis Foundation, www.arthritis.org , has one of the most comprehensive websites on the scores of diseases that are or are related to arthritis. Each condition has a section in the Disease Center, www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php , and contains specific information about each illness. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one such disease with a very informative section.
Let’s look at the Disease Center for Rheumatoid arthritis one section at a time. The first section, www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31 , describes exactly what RA is and what it means. It explains that RA is an inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the body’s defenses against disease instead attack its own tissues and organs. For example, the “What is it?” section explains that RA has three separate stages. In the first, the lining of the joints or synovial membrane begins to swell. This will cause redness, swelling, pain, and stiffness in the affected joints. Next, the lining swells with cells reproducing rapidly, and thirdly, the inflammation releases chemicals which can eat away at the cartilage and even bones.
The next section, www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=causes , discusses the things believed to be possible causes of RA. The truth is that no one now can say what triggers the onset of RA. Women get the disease two or three times as frequently as men, so hormones may be involved. And a genetic marker, HLA-DR4, has been found to be much more common in patients with RA than the general population.
Next, www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=effects explains the effects of the disease on the body. The section explains how damage to joints can progress and explains some of the other body systems often affected by RA. Patients get a realistic explanation of the progress of the disease but should not forget that treatment can often prevent the worst from occurring.
The diagnosis section, www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=diagnosed , explains how a patient’s history and certain laboratory tests are used to arrive at a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. Knowing why tests are done and what the results mean leads to a better understanding of the condition for patients and family members alike. Many of the same tests are used later on to monitor RA activity or remission.
The www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=treatments section focuses on the medical, physical and even alternative therapies used to treat RA. For more information about medications and their side effects and actions, there is also a complete drug information section on the Arthritis Foundation site. Treatment for RA needs to be understood for best compliance to get the best outcome.
If you wonder who is at the most risk of developing RA, the www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=whos_at_risk section can answer many of your questions. As it turns out, RA can affect anyone, even children. It is far more common in women than men, with women making up about 70% of cases, but men are more likely to have a more severe form. Women are more likely to get the disease in the year after childbirth although it often goes into remission during pregnancy. And as mentioned in the “causes” section, people with a certain genetic marker may be more at risk.
Finally, there is a resources section, www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=resources , with value information about managing yourself to in turn manage your disease. This section covers exercise, balancing rest with activity, stress management, dealing with depression and the use of guided imagery.
The Disease Center for rheumatoid arthritis is an essential tool for patients, family and friends to gain true understanding of the disease and how best to live with it.
Resources
Disease Center Main Link www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php
What is RA? www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31
What are the causes of RA? www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=causes
What will RA do to the body? www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=effects
How is RA diagnosed? www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=diagnosed
What treatments are available for RA? www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=treatments
Who is at risk of developing RA? www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=whos_at_risk
How should self management of RA be accomplished? www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31&df=resources