Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of arthritis that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It causes inflammation, thus causing pain that will eventually lead to immobility and erosion of the joints. It may also damage other organs, such as the skin, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This type of arthritis is progressive, which means that this disease may start at an early age and continue until the person reaches 80 years old and so forth. There is a strong chance that it will lead to severe conditions. An example would be the difficulty in movement because of the erosion of the joints. Deformities may arise from such complications.

This disease is more common in women than men. Another great factor that must be taken into consideration is one’s family history. Knowing how many of the person’s kin are affected by this disease is crucial in determining the susceptibility of the person. Some suspect that certain infections act as trigger for this disease. The immune system of the body mistakenly attacks the joints because the molecule of the invading organism looks like the molecule of the host. This theory has not yet been proven.

There is no known cure for the condition. Some would say that it is unstoppable. However, treatment options are available that can help lessen the pain and the symptoms. The goal of the present treatment is to alleviate the pain and the symptoms. This also aims to prevent the future erosion of the joints that will result in the person being handicapped. One can choose from a variety of treatments. These are pharmalogical treatments, physical treatments, traditional treatments, and therapy.

Other therapies available are losing weight, occupational therapy, joint injections, and physiotherapy. Regular exercise is also important in strengthening muscles and joints. Swimming, particularly, helps strengthen the body with less stress on the joints. Hot and cold applications are also helpful in alleviating the symptoms before and after exercise. No known diet has been found to help prevent this condition from occurring, but fish oil may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Many researchers agree that this type of arthritis has been with us since man began walking on Earth. The earliest known traces of the ailment were recorded in text form, dated 123AD. It had no name until 1859. Rheumatoid arthritis may not have a cure in sight, or the reasons behind it may still be a mystery; but that will not stop us from looking for ways to alleviate the symptoms or stop the disease.