RA SYMPTOMS: WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT A RHEUMALOGIST?
Although rheumatoid arthritis can have different symptoms, joints are always affected. Rheumatoid arthritis almost always affects the joints of the hands such as the knuckle joints, wrists,elbows,knees,ankles,and/or feet.The larger joints, such as the shoulders, hips, and jaw may also be effected.
The vertebrae of the neck are sometimes affected in people who have had the disease for many years. Usually at least two or three different joints are involved on both sides of the body, often in a symmetrical pattern.
JOINT SYMPTOMS
STIFFNESS: The joint does not move as well as it once did. Its range of motion(the extent to which the appendage of the joint, such as the arm, leg, or finger, can move in different directions) may be reduced. Typically, stiffness is most noticeable in the morning and improves later in the day.
INFLAMMATION: Redness, tenderness, and warmth are the hallmarks of inflammation.
SWELLING: The area around the affected joint is swollen and puffy.
NODULES:These are hard bumps that appear on or near the joint. They are hard bumps that appear on or found near the elbows. They are most noticeable on the part of the joint that juts out when the joint is flexed.
PAIN: Pain in a RA has several sources. It can come from inflammation or swelling of the joint and surrounding tissues or from working the joint too hard. The intensity of the pain varies by the individual.
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
- fever
-fatigue(weakness/loss of energy)
-loss of appetite
-weight loss
-Myalgias(muscle aches)
SIGNS OF RA REMISSION
-Morning stiffness lasting less than 15 mts
-No fatigue
-No joint pain
-No joint tenderness or pain with motion
-No soft-tissue swelling
WHO IS RHEUMATOLOGIST?
A rheumatologist is one who is qualified by additional training and experience in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles and bones.
They treat arthritis, certain autoimmune diseasses, musculoskeletal pain disorders and osteoporosis. There are more than 100 types of these diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteaarthritis,gout,lupus,back pain,osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and tendonitis.Some of these are very serious diseases and can be diffucult to diagnose and treat.
WHEN TO CONSULT A RHEUMATOLOGIST?
If musculoskeletal pains are not severe or disabling and last just a few days, it makes sense to give the problem a reasonable chance to be resolved. But sometimes, pain in the joints, muscles or bones is severe or persists for more than a few days. At that point, you should see your physician.
Many types of rheumatic diseases are not easily identified in the early stages. Rheumatologists are specially trained to do the detective work neccessary to discover the cause of swelling and pain.
So if anyone's symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis including joint last for more than two weeks it warrants a visit to your rheumatologist as early as possible.
सदस्यता लें
टिप्पणियाँ भेजें (Atom)
कोई टिप्पणी नहीं:
एक टिप्पणी भेजें