Every year on February 2nd, we celebrate Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day to raise awareness of the chronic inflammatory disorder. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissue.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect a large variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. It affects the lining of your joints, causing swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity. Once diagnosed, the goal of treatment is to control the pain, maintain functioning to the fullest extent, and to prevent damage that it would produce if not treated on time.
Since rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition, doctors see their patients on a regular basis, and the rheumatologist frequently becomes a very important source of information. The more knowledge you have about rheumatoid arthritis, the better you can be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Swollen joints
- Joint stiffness, particularly in your smaller joints
- Fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite
If these symptoms are persistent, talk to your doctor.
Risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Sex: Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
- Age: Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly begins in middle age.
- Family history: If someone in your family has rheumatoid arthritis, you are more likely to get it at some point in your life.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoking increases your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
- Weight: Higher weight is associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
At Solara Health, we offer numerous rheumatology services, including arthritis care. We are dedicated to providing exceptional care and tailoring treatments for your specific needs. If you have rheumatoid arthritis or are experiencing any symptoms, contact your doctor to see how they can help you manage it. The key to better health in RA is early intervention and compliance with medications.
published: Jan. 31, 2025, 9:14 p.m.