Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is the general terminology which is used to characterize nearly 100 diseases and disorders of the body joints, connective tissue and also internal organs. The types of arthritis can be classified into different categories depending on the causes for arthritic conditions namely autoimmune disorders (wherein the immune system attacks its own body parts), genetically inherited disorders, microbial or viral infections, due to certain types of medication and drugs, due to general wear and tear (old age) and due to improper diet.

The major types of arthritic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Lyme disease, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and many more. Of the diseases above mentioned, those that fall in the category of autoimmune disorders are rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatoid arthritis occurring in children and adolescents below the age of 16 is termed as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is further classified into four types namely pauciarticular or oligoarticular JIA, Polyarticular JIA, systemic JIA and Cutaneous JIA.

The physiological symptoms for ordinary forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis appear similar in many ways. This is because in both cases, inflammation of joints occurs due to degradation of the synovial membrane. This membrane secretes synovial fluid in the joint spaces which ensure smooth movement between the joints and muscles. For the clinical diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, the following criteria are to be met as stated by the American College of Rheumatology. They are 1) morning stiffness of joints exceeding an hour for over a month. 2) Arthritis of 3 or more joints spanning over a month. 3) Symmetric arthritis. 4) Presence of rheumatoid nodules in skin. 5) Excessive levels of rheumatoid factors (RF) present in blood serum. 6) Radiological tests suggestive of joint degradation due to rheumatoid arthritis.

Apart from affecting joints and the adjoining connective tissues, rheumatoid arthritis affects several other visceral organs like lungs, kidney, heart and blood vessels, eyes and the nervous system. It can also cause anemia and sporadic diarrhea. However, the severity and degree of physiological manifestations of the disease varies from person to person. While some may be lucky to put up with mild chronic stiffness of the joints, some may be gravely affected resulting in deformation of joints.

Several medications and drugs are available however there is no specific cure for treating rheumatoid arthritis. One can resort to physiotherapy such as heat treatments and ice massages, use of orthotic devices or by special forms of exercising. The types of medication used for treatment include NSAIDS like aspirin for reducing inflammation, DMARDS (Disease Modifying Anti Rheumatic Drugs) like hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine. For extreme cases highly toxic drugs like azathioprine or cyclophosphamide have to be used under stringent medical supervision. In case of irreversible joint damage, Total Joint Replacement surgery is the only option.

Mostly these medications and treatments are quite costly. So it's recommended that you request some affordable health insurance quotes to find the best health insurance plan for you.