ARTHRITIS
Pain, Stiffness, Swelling? What Could it Be?
Pain, Stiffness, Swelling?
What Could it Be?
Who Gets
rheumatoid?
More info
What Is
rheumatoid?
More info
When to See
Your Doctor or
Rheumatologist
More info
Right-Track
Treatment
More info
Top
Lifestyle Tips
More info
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What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Your immune system mistakenly attacks parts of your body – in this case your joints – and causes inflammation.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and warmth in the same joints on both sides of the body, typically the knees, elbows, wrists and ankles.
If RA isn’t treated, joints can become damaged and deformed and lose mobility.
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Who Gets RA?
RA can be triggered by smoking cigarettes or getting an infection.
Women get RA three times more often than men, usually between the ages of 30 and 60.
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When to See Your
Doctor or Rheumatologist
Joint pain when you wake up is a key warning sign. It may go away as you start to move…or last for hours.
There’s no single test to diagnose RA. Your rheumatologist will look for:
Arthritis in three or more joints on both sides of the body
Rheumatoid nodules under the skin
Rheumatoid factor in a blood test
Damage from rheumatoid arthritis on X-rays
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Right-Track Treatment
Ibuprofen and aspirin can ease symptoms. Talk to your doctor about dosage and long-term use to avoid side effects.
Disease-modifying medications, or DMARDs, can slow or stop progression by targeting the immune system.
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Top Lifestyle Tips
Antioxidant-rich foods, like the Mediterranean diet, can reduce inflammation. Ask your doctor about turmeric and omega-3 fish oil supplements.
Rest when needed, but try low-impact cardio, strength-training and flexibility exercises.
Work with a physical therapist on a personalized exercise program.
Apply heat to soothe stiff joints and tired muscles, and use ice to help numb sudden pain.
Manage pain and stress with relaxation techniques, acupuncture or acupressure.