Rheumatoid Case Study

"Rheumatoid joint inflammation is an interminable infection set apart by irritation of the joints, frequently influencing the hand joints and both sides of the body in the meantime" (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, 2009).

Anti-CCP antibodies: This blood test detects antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) (3). This test is positive in most people with rheumatoid arthritis and can even be positive years before rheumatoid arthritis symptoms develop (4). When used with the RF, this test’s results are very useful in confirming a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis (3).

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease that is systemic in nature but primarily targets and damages the synovial joints. It is characterized by painful, swollen, stiff joints, which manifest primarily in the hands, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and feet. RA is more common among women than men and increases in prevalence with age, however it can also occur in young adults and children (Lee & Weinblatt, 2001).

It is very important to know how to cope with and manage symptoms of RA. For example, my family member who went through the experiences of RA, and developed depression when she found out she has to take multiple medications, which had dangerous symptoms. She has gotten better over time, but that is only with the help and support of family and close friends. One way to manage the symptoms of RA was continuing to do things she enjoyed. In other words, the symptoms of RA cause stress and it is important that patients stay mentally positive. By doing activities a person loves, people will “feel good,” and be optimistic about life, and managing the symptoms of RA. Therefore, it is important to have the support of family and friends when dealing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis cannot be cured, but there are treatments that help ease the symptoms, and help one cope with the disease. For example, a study on Tai chi has shown relief in rheumatoid arthritis patients (Uhlig 2010). Tai Chi program consists of improving muscle strength, balance, muscle tone, flexibility and mobility to the body. Therefore, doing exercise movements that are low in intensity, and not cause stress to the body. For example, stretches of muscles, extension, and flexion of knees, head, and neck (Uhlig 2010). Another treatment available is acupuncture which is part of the Chinese medicine. Acupuncture has shown to manipulate the pain by boosting natural pain killers in the body called endorphins ( Ratini 2015) Treatment and follow-up appointments are very important to help with the disease, and see if adjustments or changes need to make (Ruderman and Tambar 2010). Living with rheumatoid arthritis is possible with the right treatments and positive

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease of unknown etiology with an autoimmune pathogenesis; it has the characteristics by arthropathy with severe bone deforming and systemic manifestations (Negrie, et

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include joint pain, tenderness, swelling or stiffness for six weeks or longer, morning stiffness for 30 minutes or longer, firm bumps of tissue under the skin on the arms (rheumatoid nodules), fatigue, loss of appetite and a low-grade fever. Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect smaller joints symmetrically first such as the wrist, certain joints of the hands, and feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to the knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. Symptoms may flare (periods of increased disease activity) lasting for days or months. It is difficult to diagnose RA in its early stages because the signs and symptoms resemble other inflammatory diseases. No single test can confirm RA. The rheumatologist will ask questions about personal and family medical history as well as recent and current symptoms (pain, tenderness, stiffness, difficulty moving.) During the physical exam, the doctor will examine each joint, looking for tenderness, swelling, warmth and painful or limited movement. Blood tests will measure erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. Although not specific to RA, these levels indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) are antibodies found in a large number of people with RA. An X-ray, ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging scan may be recommended to look for joint

Rheumatoid Arthritis or (RA) is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints and connective tissue. The result is inflammation that produces permanent damage in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic syndrome that tends to be progressive and destructive as compared to Osteoarthritis or (OA), which is more of an age related disease caused by “wear and tear” of the joints. In contrast to (OA), rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation mostly of the joints, but is a general body disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease associated with swelling and pain in multiple joints. First joint tissue to be affected is the synovial membrane, which lines joint cavity. Multiple immune-regulatory cytokines (such as B-cells and interleukins) contribute to joint damage. Eventually, inflammation may spread to articular cartilage, fibrous joint capsule, and surrounding ligaments and tendons, causing pain, joint deformity, and loss of function.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the small joints in your hands and feet. It affects the lining of your joints causing pain and swelling. Which can eventually cause bone erosion and joint deformity? An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks its own body tissue. This disease can occur at any age but usually between the age of 40 and 60 years of age. Rheumatoid arthritis usually attacks your smaller joints first, such as those that attach your fingers to your hands, and your toes to your feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms sometimes spread to the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips and shoulders. Over time it can cause your joints to deform and shift out of place.(National

Since rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, it can also affect other organs and tissues, but it primarily attacks the joints in a symmetrical fashion. Rheumatoid arthritis develops from an abnormal immune response caused by exposure to an antigen, in a patient that is genetically susceptible. Autoantibodies develop and attack the patient’s cartilage and synovial tissues once the antigen exposure has occurred (Nelson, 2011). One of the most common

Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is abbreviated as (RA), by definition, is an inflammatory immune-mediated defect. In developed countries, its prevalence is about 0.5 to 1%. It is a serious disease whose effects can at times lead to permanent disability. Some of the effects include bone erosion, articular destruction and chronic synovial inflammation, which results in functional decline and disability. The Introduction of effective and efficient intervention has been put in place to reduce joint damage and functional impairment.

improvements have been made in its treatment compared to historical therapies. Patients exhibit similar but varying

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that is described as “systematic inflammatory disease that manifests itself in multiple joints in the body”. (Center for Disease Control, 22 Jul. 2016) It is an autoimmune disease that affects millions in the US both directly and indirectly. RA affects both genders and is prevalent in people of all races and nationalities. Symptoms for RA include swollen or stiffness in joints, fatigue, and fever. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 18 Mar. 2016) Treatment for RA ranges from corticosteroids, to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to an aggressive treatment with non-biological disease-modifying antiheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (Arthritis Foundation National Office, Web. 5 Sep. 2016) Therapy with a physical or occupational therapist could assist with reducing inflammation and even pain through exercise motions, and provide relief in completing daily tasks. (Mayo Clinic Staff, 18 Mar. 2016).

The goal of most medications used to treat the disease is to decrease pain, heat and swelling in the affected joint(s).