Actually the body is the culprit. The immune system malfunctions and starts attacking the linings (synovial fluid) of the joints. This is what causes rheumatoid arthritis, which is a painful and debilitating disease. That’s why it’s often termed an autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition of inflammation of the joints and everything surrounding them.
There are actually three stages of RA.
1. The swelling of the synovial lining of the joints affected. This causes pain and stiffness as well as warmth, redness and swelling around the joint itself.
2. The joint lining (synovium) thickens, caused by the rapid division and growth of cells.
3. These inflamed cells release enzymes that may feed upon cartilage and the actual bone. This is what causes disfigurement, loss of movement and even more pain.
Unfortunately, as RA is a chronic disease and can go on indefinitely, it can affect other organs of your body. John Hopkins University recently did a study which connected RA to heart disease. In fact, I grew up with my mother having both RA and a heart disease. In her case, this meant that she couldn’t take much medication to alleviate her pain. She often went to the hospital, where her painfully distorted fingers were bathed in warm petroleum. Not only did she suffer constant pain but because of her painful fingers, she couldn’t do many basic functions that we take for granted, like turning a door knob. Things like cooking where you are constantly wielding a cutting knife or a wooden spoon were fraught with pain.
Even sleeping was difficult because her body was in constant pain. At that time, in Britain, we used to pile up blankets on the bed for warmth. She just couldn’t take the weight on her body. Today, duvets solve this problem admirably, thank goodness. Also much has been done to research RA and people have lots options – be it medication or natural supplements, maybe even a combination of both.
Having said all the above, to this day doctors aren’t really sure of the what really causes rheumatoid arthritis. The answer mostly given is the dance between genetics and environmental circumstances – people in damper climates could be more affected.
Sandra Fierling is a published author and an avid researcher of arthritis related articles, programs and products. If you want to find out more about what really causes rheumatoid arthritis [http://www.arthritisreviews.com/acktiva] , please visit Sandra’s website which is dedicated to arthritis information and pain relief and provides tips, information and advice on arthritis for FREE.