There are many different forms of arthritis but one of the more common is rheumatoid arthritis. It is an inflammatory disorder that causes chronic pain and the possibility of deformity of joints. This type of arthritis can affect many different parts of the body, including the eyes, heart, blood vessels, skin, and lungs. It is classified as an autoimmune disorder, which means that your immune system is attacking the tissues of your body mistakenly.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, which is sometimes referred to as a type of wear and tear problem. Osteoarthritis occurs when damage takes place to the joints, typically the larger joints of the body. When you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, it affects the joint linings and can result in painful inflammation, the erosion of bones and deformity in the joints. It is the inflammation associated with this type of arthritis that can also affect other parts of the body. In some cases, an individual who suffers from this problem may have physical disabilities that are lifelong as the damage may be irreversible.

One of the problems with this and many other types of arthritis is the fact that there is not a cure for them. There may be medications that can help to reduce the symptoms associated with the problem but they are not going to remove the problem entirely. Some of the new treatment options may be able to dramatically reduce the possibility of deformities and can help the individual to live a more comfortable and full life. Sometimes, it is necessary to treat the condition with one type of medication and then switch to another if it is not providing the desired results.

Some of the symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis include swollen, tender, and warm joints along with joint stiffness that may be worse after inactivity or in the mornings. Other symptoms may include fever, weight loss, and fatigue. When you first experience this problem, you may see that the smaller joints are affected first. Those include the joints that attach the toes to the feet and the fingers to the hands. Eventually, the disease may progress to the point where it is affecting your knees, ankles, hips, wrists, shoulders, and elbows. Although it can affect any part of the body, the symptoms tend to affect the same joints that are on both sides of the body.

If you have a problem and feel that you may be suffering from arthritis, you can talk to Dr. Lavery for assistance. Allen Arthritis can help you to deal with the troubling problems that occur as a result of arthritis and to reduce your symptoms through medication, lifestyle changes, and other potential options.

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