The spirit section for arthritis comprises energetically oriented treatments that have to do with intention, energy healing, prayer, and in some cases god. These terms may be volatile for some, and for others they will resonate. Regardless, many of these treatments have shown to work for some with arthritis.
Many of the treatments that live in other sections on FoundHealth could easily live in this “Spirit” section as well. For example, Yoga for Alzheimer's Disease, though a treatment that mostly involves the body, certainly has spiritual undertones and components to its practice. Meditation for Alzheimer's Disease lives under the Mind category, but really is a blend of body, mind and a spiritual/energetic component as well. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are examples of healing systems that have branches that span all six of FoundHealth’s treatment categories, including spiritual components.
So take a look at which spirit treatments have been used for arthritis or other health challenges, or add any that are missing!
Acupuncture can help to mitigate some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and may be able to help restore some of the blocked bodily functioning that is contributing to the disease in the first place.
When used in alternation, heat and cold therapies can provide symptomatic relief for rheumatoid arthritis.
When used in alternation, heat and cold therapies can provide symptomatic relief for rheumatoid arthritis.
Applying cold or heat for conditions involving the muscles or joints has long been used for improving arthritis symptoms.
Heat application to an arthritic area has several effects. It reduces muscle spasm, pain and soreness. Warming the tissue also promotes blood circulation which nourishes muscle fibers. For patients with arthritis, heat applications sometimes work best early in the day by relaxing the muscles around the joints.
Applying ice or cold pack to inflamed joints appears to reduce pain and swelling by causing the blood to constrict. As a result, further leakage of blood and serum is prevented thereby reducing swelling and pain. Cold application also provides pain relief. Ice applications at the end of the day can reduce the inflammation that result from daily activities.
There is no cure known cure for RA, but with early diagnosis and right treatment, you can take control of your disease and avoid permanent damage to your joints. People with rheumatoid arthritis usually need lifelong treatment. In addition to medication, rheumatoid arthritis can be effectively controlled with physical therapy and regular exercise.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psychological Health
Rheumatoid arthritis causes more than joint pain and limited mobility. It can also significantly affect a person's psychological well being. One of the common problems experienced by patients with chronic pain is depression.
A study shows that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to experience depression, but chances are, they don't talk to their doctors about it. Investigators of this study also found out that only one in five of the patients with arthritis and depression discussed it with their rheumatologists. According to the lead author, the patients do not talk to their doctors about depression because their arthritis is understandably the main focus.
Depression is a problem that should not be ignored because it may affect one's daily functioning and overall quality of life. If you experience depressive symptoms, don't hesitate to discuss it with your doctor. It is important to identify what has been contributing to your depression so that psychological therapy can be tailored to help you to cope with these stressors.
There are a variety of treatment options for depression and overcoming this health challenge is achievable. In addition to medications and psychological treatment, there are many things you can do that may help when you are feeling depressed. Below are some suggestions that you might consider
Outdoor exercise. Research shows that having some sort of contact with nature improves a person's mood and makes them feel less stressed. It was found that activities like walking in a park-like setting was more beneficial for mood and self-esteem compared to walking in a shopping center.
More on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise
More on Depression and Exercise
Keep a journal. Writing down your feelings is among the best self-help techniques. It can be a good way to learn more about your thoughts, and it allows you to think about alternative solutions to your problems.
Take time out to relax. High level of stress and lack of relaxation can develop negative thinking that can later on lead to depression. People who neglect themselves become easily overwhelmed by different events happening in their life. This is the reason why people should learn to let go once in a while so they can handle their hectic lives again. It is a good idea to take some time off to engage in activities that you enjoy. Relaxation can help you cope with stress. If you get to relax periodically, you will fee refreshed you will be able to face the world with confidence and this helps you fight off depression.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psychological Health
Rheumatoid arthritis causes more than joint pain and limited mobility. It can also significantly affect a person's psychological well being. One of the common problems experienced by patients with chronic pain is depression.
A study shows that patients with rheumatoid arthritis are twice as likely to experience depression, but chances are, they don't talk to their doctors about it. Investigators of this study also found out that only one in five of the patients with arthritis and depression discussed it with their rheumatologists. According to the lead author, the patients do not talk to their doctors about depression because their arthritis is understandably the main focus.
Depression is a problem that should not be ignored because it may affect one's daily functioning and overall quality of life. If you experience depressive symptoms, don't hesitate to discuss it with your doctor. It is important to identify what has been contributing to your depression so that psychological therapy can be tailored to help you to cope with these stressors.
There are a variety of treatment options for depression and overcoming this health challenge is achievable. In addition to medications and psychological treatment, there are many things you can do that may help when you are feeling depressed. Below are some suggestions that you might consider
Outdoor exercise. Research shows that having some sort of contact with nature improves a person's mood and makes them feel less stressed. It was found that activities like walking in a park-like setting was more beneficial for mood and self-esteem compared to walking in a shopping center.
More on Rheumatoid Arthritis and Exercise
More on Depression and Exercise
Keep a journal. Writing down your feelings is among the best self-help techniques. It can be a good way to learn more about your thoughts, and it allows you to think about alternative solutions to your problems.
Take time out to relax. High level of stress and lack of relaxation can develop negative thinking that can later on lead to depression. People who neglect themselves become easily overwhelmed by different events happening in their life. This is the reason why people should learn to let go once in a while so they can handle their hectic lives again. It is a good idea to take some time off to engage in activities that you enjoy. Relaxation can help you cope with stress. If you get to relax periodically, you will fee refreshed you will be able to face the world with confidence and this helps you fight off depression.
Nutritional Recommendations for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Research do not have conclusive evidence to show that particular foods make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worsen or decrease. Until there are data that supports the benefits of dietary manipulation in rheumatoid arthritis, patients with the condition are encouraged to follow a healthy, balanced diet that promotes a healthy weight. Good nutrition can influence the way a patient feels, how well they respond to treatments, and how they handle the effects of inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is among the chronic diseases that seems more responsive to dietary changes. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should eat well-balanced, healthy diet that include food groups and nutrients that play a role in tissue resistance and repair. This includes proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Proteins
In chronic inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, the production of certain substances in the body increases resting metabolic rate and protein breakdown. This leaves the patient with the challenge of increasing both calorie and protein intake in order to meet the nutritional requirements of the increased metabolic rate. For this reason, people with rheumatoid arthritis are encouraged to eat more protein than those individuals who do not have the disease. Protein on the anti-inflammatory diet should come from plant based sources as much as possible, with the exception of fish and reduced fat dairy. Whey protein supplements are also a good choice. Good sources of protein include:
Vitamins
People with rheumatoid arthritis may be at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Among the common deficiencies in patients with RA, are folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B6.
Folic acid
Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9 or folacin. This vitamin plays a significant role in maintaining body function. It is needed for the production and maintenance of new cells. Folate deficiency may lead to anemia and this further leads to fatigue and weakness. Food sources of folic acid include:
Aside from food sources, folic acid is also available as a dietary supplement. folic acid from the foods you eat, you can also take it as a dietary supplement.
Read more on Folic Acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin. The body needs this vitamin for growth and tissue repair. It helps in the formation of collagen, a protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C promotes wound healing, as well as repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth. The body does not have the ability to manufacture Vitamin C. For this reason, it is important to include vitamin C-containing foods in the diet.
Research shows that people who ate the least amount of fruits and vegetables were twice as likely to develop inflammation in the joints compared with those who ate the most. According to the investigators of this study, this may be attributed to the antioxidant properties of vitamin C. Below are some of the food items that are rich in Vitamin C:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a compound that acts like a hormone in the body. It is needed in the metabolism of calcium which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and preventing problems such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D also appears to be an important regulator of immune function. Epidemiologic studies show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis had low serum levels of Vitamin D and its metabolites. Another study that suggests the potential benefits of Vitamin D is published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. This research shows that women who got less than 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D in their daily diets were 33% more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than women who got more.
Most people meet their vitamin D needs through sun exposure. Vitamin D is can also found in the following food items:
Read more on Vitamin D
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6s a water-soluble vitamin that has three related chemicals, namely: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 carries out a wide variety of functions in the body. It is a component of enzymes that help in protein and fat metabolism. Vitamin B6 is essential for normal brain development and function. It also helps the immune system to work efficiently.
Low levels of vitamin B6 have been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Based on some studies, people with rheumatoid arthritis may need more vitamin B6 than those who do not have the disease because chronic inflammation may lower B6 levels. Vitamin B6 is found in various food items including:
Omega 3 fatty acids
Foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Research show that these essential fatty acids help in regulating both acute and chronic inflammation. Some small studies have found that fish oil --one of the food sources of Omega 3-- helps reduce symptoms of RA, including joint pain and morning stiffness. One study suggests that people with rheumatoid arthritis who take fish oil may be able to lower their dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although fish oil can relieve some symptoms, it does not appear to slow the progression of RA. Below are some of the foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids:
Nutritional Recommendations for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Research do not have conclusive evidence to show that particular foods make rheumatoid arthritis symptoms worsen or decrease. Until there are data that supports the benefits of dietary manipulation in rheumatoid arthritis, patients with the condition are encouraged to follow a healthy, balanced diet that promotes a healthy weight. Good nutrition can influence the way a patient feels, how well they respond to treatments, and how they handle the effects of inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is among the chronic diseases that seems more responsive to dietary changes. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis should eat well-balanced, healthy diet that include food groups and nutrients that play a role in tissue resistance and repair. This includes proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Proteins
In chronic inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, the production of certain substances in the body increases resting metabolic rate and protein breakdown. This leaves the patient with the challenge of increasing both calorie and protein intake in order to meet the nutritional requirements of the increased metabolic rate. For this reason, people with rheumatoid arthritis are encouraged to eat more protein than those individuals who do not have the disease. Protein on the anti-inflammatory diet should come from plant based sources as much as possible, with the exception of fish and reduced fat dairy. Whey protein supplements are also a good choice. Good sources of protein include:
Vitamins
People with rheumatoid arthritis may be at risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Among the common deficiencies in patients with RA, are folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin B6.
Folic acid
Folic acid is also known as vitamin B9 or folacin. This vitamin plays a significant role in maintaining body function. It is needed for the production and maintenance of new cells. Folate deficiency may lead to anemia and this further leads to fatigue and weakness. Food sources of folic acid include:
Aside from food sources, folic acid is also available as a dietary supplement. folic acid from the foods you eat, you can also take it as a dietary supplement.
Read more on Folic Acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin. The body needs this vitamin for growth and tissue repair. It helps in the formation of collagen, a protein used to make skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments, and blood vessels. Vitamin C promotes wound healing, as well as repair and maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth. The body does not have the ability to manufacture Vitamin C. For this reason, it is important to include vitamin C-containing foods in the diet.
Research shows that people who ate the least amount of fruits and vegetables were twice as likely to develop inflammation in the joints compared with those who ate the most. According to the investigators of this study, this may be attributed to the antioxidant properties of vitamin C. Below are some of the food items that are rich in Vitamin C:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a compound that acts like a hormone in the body. It is needed in the metabolism of calcium which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones and preventing problems such as osteoporosis. Vitamin D also appears to be an important regulator of immune function. Epidemiologic studies show that patients with rheumatoid arthritis had low serum levels of Vitamin D and its metabolites. Another study that suggests the potential benefits of Vitamin D is published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism. This research shows that women who got less than 200 international units (IU) of vitamin D in their daily diets were 33% more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than women who got more.
Most people meet their vitamin D needs through sun exposure. Vitamin D is can also found in the following food items:
Read more on Vitamin D
Vitamin B6i
Vitamin B6s a water-soluble vitamin that has three related chemicals, namely: pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. Vitamin B6 carries out a wide variety of functions in the body. It is a component of enzymes that help in protein and fat metabolism. Vitamin B6 is essential for normal brain development and function. It also helps the immune system to work efficiently.
Low levels of vitamin B6 have been linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Based on some studies, people with rheumatoid arthritis may need more vitamin B6 than those who do not have the disease because chronic inflammation may lower B6 levels. Vitamin B6 is found in various food items including:
Omega 3 fatty acids
Foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids may benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Research show that these essential fatty acids help in regulating both acute and chronic inflammation. Some small studies have found that fish oil --one of the food sources of Omega 3-- helps reduce symptoms of RA, including joint pain and morning stiffness. One study suggests that people with rheumatoid arthritis who take fish oil may be able to lower their dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although fish oil can relieve some symptoms, it does not appear to slow the progression of RA. Below are some of the foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids:
References
Natural treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis remains a serious disease with no known cure, but many ways to control its symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with drugs, but there are still other treatment options available and this includes the use of herbal remedies. Many people prefer the natural approach to treatments, hence the popularity of herbal remedies continue to rise.
In addition, evening primrose oil is used as a natural treatment for many health conditions including:
drugs.com
Conquering Rheumatoid Arthritis - An Illustrated Guide to Understanding the Treatment and Control of Rheumatoid Arthritis - William Bensen, Wynn Bensen, Martin Atkinson
Progress In Drug Research, Volume 49 Ernst Jucker
The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis By Carol Eustice
http://ard.bmj.com/content/68/7/1094
Principles of ambulatory medicine By Nicholas H. Fiebach, Lee Randol Barker, John Russell Burton, Philip D. Zieve
http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/c/53/5871/dirty/
The chemotherapy source book By Michael Clinton Perry
Although there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are many ways to control the disease and prevent irreversible complications. The goals of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aim toward:
Early intervention has been shown to considerably decrease a patient's risk of suffering from the debilitating complications of rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment options include medications, physical and occupational therapy, and surgery.
In the last few years, the shift in strategy toward giving disease-modifying drugs at the early course of the disease and the arrival of new classes of medications have greatly improved the expected treatment outcomes. Many drugs for rheumatoid arthritis have potentially serious side effects. Typically, the medications with the fewest side effects are preferred as the first-line of treatment. As the disease progresses, more aggressive medical treatment might be needed. Below are the classes of drugs used in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively. Early detection and treatment can prevent or delay complications such as permanent damage to the joints and disability. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages can be a challenge because its early signs and symptoms also present in other health problems. The findings that are more likely to suggest the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging procedures. You might first discuss your symptoms with a family physician, then you may be referred to a rheumatologist for further evaluation and management.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step towards managing rheumatoid arthritis effectively. Early detection and treatment can prevent or delay complications such as permanent damage to the joints and disability. Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages can be a challenge because its early signs and symptoms also present in other health problems. The findings that are more likely to suggest the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed based on medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging procedures. You might first discuss your symptoms with a family physician, then you may be referred to a rheumatologist for further evaluation and management.
Medical history. The doctor obtains a detailed medical history by asking questions pertaining to the health problems you've had, as well as diseases that have been affecting parents or siblings. The doctor will also ask you to describe the symptoms that you have been experiencing, when they usually occur, and if anything relieves them or makes them worse.
Physical examination.During the physical exam, the doctor checks the joints for swelling, redness and warmth. The patient's muscle strength, skin, and reflexes will also be assessed.
Laboratory tests. If health history and physical examination results are suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor may consider further testing to help identify what has been causing the signs and symptoms. Below are the blood tests that are used for diagnosing RA:
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) The ESR or sed rate test helps in diagnosing conditions associated with inflammation, including infections, some cancers, and autoimmune diseases. This test measures the speed at which red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube within a 1-hour period. If the blood has abnormal proteins due to inflammation or infection, the red blood cells clump together, and this causes them to fall at a faster rate. ESR is considered as nonspecific because increases alone do not tell the doctor exactly where the inflammation is or what has been causing it. Moreover, high sedimentation rate may occur as a result of other conditions other than inflammation. For this reason, ESR is usually done in conjunction with other tests.
Rheumatoid factor.The rheumatoid factor (RF) test helps diagnose rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is also used to distinguish the disease from other forms of arthritis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms of joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Rheumatoid factor is an antibody produced by the immune system. Significant concentrations of RF is suggestive of RA. A positive RF test may also help predict the potential severity of rheumatoid arthritis and the complications that it may cause.
Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (Anti-CCP) antibodies. This is one of the most specific blood tests to help diagnose RA. Moderate to high levels of anti-CCP in the blood confirm the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, high anti CCP readings also indicate a more severe course of rheumatoid arthritis.
Complete blood count. This test measures the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Complete blood count is ordered to help diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, and for monitoring its progression and treatment. This test helps identify the type of inflammation present.
C-reactive protein. CRP is produced by the liver when there is infection or inflammation. The CRP test is ordered to help evaluate autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus It is often repeated to determine whether treatment is effective. CRP test is helpful in evaluating health conditions associated with inflammation because the CRP levels fall as inflammation subsides.
Imaging procedures
X-rays. This imaging procedure is useful in predicting outcome, assessing the severity of joint damage, and determining whether surgery is needed. In the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, there may not be any changes in the radiographic images, or it may show some tissue swelling or joint effusion. Over time, abnormalities continue to appear on the x-ray. Characteristic x-ray findings in patients with RA include:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI). MRI may detect erosions much earlier than conventional methods. In addition, this test gives more detailed images of articular and periarticular structures. An MRI might be useful in rheumatoid patients whose x-rays show no changes. If erosions show on MRI, more aggressive treatments may be considered instead of using milder drugs.
Ultrasonography. Ultrasound imaging has become a more widely used procedure for assessing rheumatoid arthritis. It can detect bony erosions in RA patients with greater sensitivity than conventional radiography. Ultrasound images are comparable to that of the MRI. In addition, ultrasound accurately detects synovial fluid and thickened synovial tissue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive and potentially debilitating disease. It primarily causes joint pain and swelling, and may later on lead to deformities.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually develops in the wrists and knuckles. The knees and joints of the ball of the foot are also common sites affected by the disease. It may involve many joints including the cervical spine, shoulders, elbows, temporomandibular joint, and even joints in the inner ear. Below are the signs and symptoms that commonly occur with rheumatoid arthritis:
Morning stiffness.
This is considered as the hallmark symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. The stiffness limits function it may last for more than an hour.
Swelling and pain in the joints.
The inflamed joints are usually swollen and often feel warm. In rheumatoid arthritis, the joint pain is typically symmetrical, but may be more severe on one side of the body, depending on which side is more often used.
Limited range of motion.
People with rheumatoid arthritis may find it difficult to carry out normal activities because of the pain and swelling in the joints. The effects range from mild to severe depending on how active the inflammation is. In some cases, even doing even the simplest tasks is enough to cause severe pain.
Fluid buildup
Rheumatoid may cause an abnormal build up of fluids in and around the joints. Intermittent calves, ankles, legs and feet may occur as a result of the inflammation to the synovial lining of the joint and blood vessels.
Nodules
In RA, inflammation of small blood vessels can cause firm, none-tender nodules, or lumps, under the skin. Rheumatoid nodules have been found to occur in 17-34% of people with rheumatoid arthritis. Nodules are commonly found over areas of bony prominence or pressure points such as the elbow, knuckles or heel pad, but they can also show up in other areas such as the back of the forearm. Nodules vary in size and number. They are usually formed in chronic active cases of rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes they occur before the development of the disease.
In rare cases, nodules become sore and infected, especially if they are in areas that often subject to stress such as the ankles. Presence of nodules occasionally indicate rheumatoid vasculitis, a serious complication of long-standing and severe rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid vasculitis can affect blood vessels that carry blood to the skin, nerves, and internal organs.
Flu-Like Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, this means that its symptoms are not limited to the joints. The rheumatoid factor and other antibodies are found throughout the body. As a result, a person with rheumatoid arthritis may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fever, particularly in the early stages of the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the synovium. When this happens, the synovium thickens, swells, and eventually invades and damages the cartilage and bone within the joint. The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together weaken and stretch. The affected joint gradually loses its shape and alignment.
The exact reason what starts off this process remains unclear, but the interplay between some factors are thought to contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. These factors include: abnormal autoimmune response, genetics, and some environmental or biologic trigger, such as a viral infection or hormonal changes.
The Immune Response and Inflammatory Process
The normal immune system response. The body's immune system triggers inflammation to protect itself against infections, and to allow damaged tissues to heal. When the body is exposed to an injury or an infection, white blood cells are mobilized to rid the body of any foreign proteins such as bacteria or virus. The masses of blood cells that gather at the injured or infected site produce substances that help repair wounds, clot the blood, and fight infections. The immune system is normally capable of controlling and limiting the inflammatory process.
Fighter cells.
The immune system has two important components that are crucial in the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. These components are known as B cells and T cells.
If the T cell recognizes a foreign body or antigen, it will produce chemicals known as cytokines which cause B cells to multiply and release antibodies. These antibodies disperse widely in the bloodstream, recognizing the antigens and setting off inflammation to protect the body from invasion. In rheumatoid arthritis, both the T cells and the B cells become overactive.
Genetics
Genetic factors are thought to be involved in RA. While genes do not causes the disease, it may increase a person's susceptibility to environmental and biologic triggers. In addition, genetic factors may increase the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, once the disease has developed.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors such as infections have been suggested to play a role in the development of RA. Many microorganisms have been studied, but no single causative agent has been identified to be the main trigger for the autoimmune response and the inflammation that occurs in rheumatoid arthritis.
It has been found that the synovial fluid of some people with rheumatoid arthritis contain higher than average levels of antibodies that react with an intestinal bacteria known as E.coli. Some experts think that this may stimulate the immune system to prolong the duration of rheumatoid arthritis once the disease has been triggered by infection. Other microorganisms that are considered as potential triggers include: Streptococcus, mycoplasma, parvovirus B19, retroviruses, mycobacteria, and Epstein-Barr virus.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the synovium. When this happens, the synovium thickens, swells, and eventually invades and damages the cartilage and bone within the joint. The tendons and ligaments that hold the joint together weaken and stretch. The affected joint gradually loses its shape and alignment.
The exact reason what starts off this process remains unclear, but the interplay between some factors are thought to contribute to the development of rheumatoid arthritis. These factors include: abnormal autoimmune response, genetics, and some environmental or biologic trigger, such as a viral infection or hormonal changes.
The Immune Response and Inflammatory Process
The normal immune system response. The body's immune system triggers inflammation to protect itself against infections, and to allow damaged tissues to heal. When the body is exposed to an injury or an infection, white blood cells are mobilized to rid the body of any foreign proteins such as bacteria or virus. The masses of blood cells that gather at the injured or infected site produce substances that help repair wounds, clot the blood, and fight infections. The immune system is normally capable of controlling and limiting the inflammatory process.
Fighter cells.
The immune system has two important components that are crucial in the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. These components are known as B cells and T cells.
If the T cell recognizes a foreign body or antigen, it will produce chemicals known as cytokines which cause B cells to multiply and release antibodies. These antibodies disperse widely in the bloodstream, recognizing the antigens and setting off inflammation to protect the body from invasion. In rheumatoid arthritis, both the T cells and the B cells become overactive.
Genetics
Genetic factors are thought to be involved in RA. While genes do not causes the disease, it may increase a person's susceptibility to environmental and biologic triggers. In addition, genetic factors may increase the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, once the disease has developed.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors such as infections have been suggested to play a role in the development of RA. Many microorganisms have been studied, but no single causative agent has been identified to be the main trigger for the autoimmune response and the inflammation that occurs in rheumatoid arthritis.
It has been found that the synovial fluid of some people with rheumatoid arthritis contain higher than average levels of antibodies that react with an intestinal bacteria known as E.coli. Some experts think that this may stimulate the immune system to prolong the duration of rheumatoid arthritis once the disease has been triggered by infection. Other microorganisms that are considered as potential triggers include: Streptococcus, mycoplasma, parvovirus B19, retroviruses, mycobacteria, and Epstein-Barr virus.
The term arthritis refers to more than a hundred conditions that cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Many misconceptions surround arthritis, one of which is the common notion that it's a disorder that only strike the elderly. But the truth is, joint disorders can affect anyone, even children are not spared from these problems. In the US, there are nearly 300,000 children suffering from arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease which mainly attacks the joints, but may also affect other tissues and organs. Over time, rheumatoid arthritis can cause permanent damage to the joints. Read more about joints and surrounding structures.
In autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the cells fail to recognize the difference between the body's own healthy cells and potentially harmful stimuli such as disease-causing microorganisms. Inflammation is the body's natural response to what it perceives as threat. The body's immune system triggers inflammation to fight harmful stimuli and to allow affected tissues to heal. Once the body is able to ward off harmful invaders such as bacteria or viruses, inflammation naturally goes away. However, in rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation stays and contributes to the problem. Instead of protecting the body, the immune system releases substances that can damage the body's healthy tissues, causing deformities, pain, and a limited range of motion.
It has been estimated that rheumatoid arthritis is responsible for 250,000 hospitalizations and 9 million physician visits each year. This chronic disorder has a significant impact on work and productivity. If left untreated, people with rheumatoid arthritis will be at risk of disability within early years of diagnosis.
In rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to initiate aggressive therapy on the early course of the disease in order to modify its progression. Understanding the symptoms and characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis can hep you to maintain an active lifestyle and prevent permanent complications.
