Definition
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can affect people of all ages. Rheumatoid arthritis is a very common form of arthritis and typically affects the hands on both sides of the body. It could also affect almost any joint including elbows, shoulders, neck, knees, and hips.
Signs and Symptoms:
Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins slowly and gets progressively more severe. More and more joints will be affected as the condition worsens. People who are developing rheumatoid arthritis will begin noticing stiffness in their joints, especially in the morning or after a long period of non-movement (sitting for a long period of time for example). The stiffness will generally last for about 30 minutes. Other small deformities may develop, including ulnar deviation of the hands (when the fingers lean away from the thumb). Blood tests are a good way to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
Patients who have developed rheumatoid arthritis will want to exercise regularly and focus on maintaining a nutritious diet. M.D’s will provide non steroidal anti-flammatory drugs. Supplements will also help to maintain and buld the layer of cartridge located at the end of our bones which begin to wear down. I use glucosimine sulfate or glucosamine chondraitin sulfateto help the joints stay strong. In combination with thesesupplements and medications, adjustments and muscle work will help, but can only be performed while patients are in a non-inflammatory stage.
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