Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease often characterized by swelling, redness, and pain in the joints. The exact causes of rheumatoid arthritis are unclear. However, it is believed that certain people have a genetic predisposition for this type of arthritis. The immediate cause of an attack of rheumatoid joint arthritis is believed to be a malfunction in the person’s immune system that causes antibodies to attack tissues within the body.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include red, feverish, swollen joints, and in advanced cases, deformity of joints. In addition, because rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, it is possible to have swelling in other tissues away from the joints including around the eyes and in severe cases even blood vessels. It is not uncommon for a person with rheumatoid arthritis to go for extended periods of time without experiencing symptoms. These periods are called remission. When the disease is active, the patient is said to have had a relapse.

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis comes in two stages. The first stage treats the symptoms and uses fast acting drugs. These include the normal NSAID medications as well as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. In addition, painkillers may be administered to provide the patient with relief.

Second line drugs for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are often classed under the heading disease modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs( DM A RDs). These include drugs that have been used for a long time such as Methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine. This category also includes new treatment drugs that have shown positive results such as Humira.

Rheumatoid arthritis destroys joints over a period of time. Use of the second line drugs helps to keep the disease in remission and limit the damage to the joints. In many cases, a patient will go for several years in remission, known as burned-out rheumatoid arthritis, with the only treatment being required being the second line drugs. For these lucky individuals, the pain of arthritis can be forgotten unless they have an actual flare up. If this occurs, they will have to resume the two line treatment that includes the use of anti-inflammatories and pain medications.

Besides the medical treatments for arthritis, a close relationship between doctor and patient that leads to control of diet, exercise, rest, and the nature of activity attempted each day. Exercises will be recommended by a doctor that are designed to promote greater flexibility and to maintain a fuller range of motion for a longer period of time.

An extremely advanced cases, it may become necessary to surgically repair or replace affected joints. Fortunately, this does not happen as often now as it did in the past. The newer disease modifying drugs used a second line treatment for arthritis are more effective at preventing or slowing the deterioration of the joints. However, rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive immune disorder that affects all parts of the body not just the joints.

In recent years, more success has been noted in minimizing disability and maintaining fuller range of motion and flexibility in patients who were started on disease modifying antirheumatic drugs very soon after being diagnosed. These patients have been shown to be better able to function and live a nearly normal life despite their disease.

While there is still no cure, and the causes are not exactly known, progress has been made in the identification and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Where a few years ago patients would have been totally disabled, today, more of them are continuing to work in their chosen career and carry on the normal day-to-day activities of living. When these people experience a flareup, medications are available that are effective at providing relief from the symptoms over the short term.