Rheumatoid Arthritis" What Is It?"

I'm sure most of you who read my blog know by now that I suffer from RA. I thought I'd post the following explanation I found in my Arthritis Today magazine.

Rheumatoid arthritis (rue-ma-TOYD arth-write-tis) is a chronic disease, mainly characterized by inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function and disability.

Thankfully, this picture is not of my hands. However, this is an example of severe joint damage caused by RA. I have very minimal deformities when comparing my hands to those of this dear soul.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) progresses in three stages. The first stage is the swelling of the synovial lining, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the joint. Second is the rapid division and growth of cells, or pannus, which causes the synovium to thicken. In the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement.


Because it is a chronic disease, RA continues indefinitely and may not go away. Frequent flares in disease activity can occur. RA is a systemic disease, which means it can affect other organs in the body. Early diagnosis and treatment of RA is critical if you want to continue living a productive lifestyle. Studies have shown that early aggressive treatment of RA can limit joint damage, which in turn limits loss of movement, decreased ability to work, higher medical costs and potential surgery.

RA affects 1 percent of the U.S. population or 2.1 million Americans. Currently, the cause of RA is unknown, although there are several theories. And while there is no cure, it is easier than ever to control RA through the use of new drugs, exercise, joint protection techniques and self-management techniques. While there is no good time to have rheumatoid arthritis, advancements in research and drug development mean that more people with RA are living happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Pam adds: ,I'm happy to report that after my terrible flare up last year which lasted about six months, I am now doing much better. New medications and feeling well enough to start up my walking and exercise routine have been God sends. I've lost right at 25 lbs. and feel so much better. I still have pain on a daily basis, but oh, so much bearable than at this time last year. I can't stress it enough here that the key to feeling better, whether you have a chronic disease or not, depends on your diet and exercize. Eating good, nutritional foods are a must for those of us with RA. Our bodies need all those good vitamins and minerals found in whole foods. Many of you prayed for me during those difficult days. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Some symptoms which manifest themselves in me are:

Cervical spine (the neck): Symptoms include neck stiffness, weakness, and loss of motion. Other symptoms often can't be felt or seen in exams. Ligaments are often inflamed, and there may be problems with the spinal cord or nervous system. Neck pain alone tends to get better, even when the joints are damaged. Damage to the nervous system does not usually improve.

Shoulders: The main symptom is loss of motion. Your body's unconscious reaction to shoulder pain is simply not to use your shoulders. Since daily life doesn't require much shoulder use, frozen shoulder syndrome can set in quickly.

Hands and wrists: Almost everyone with RA has affected wrists. Joints in the middle of your hand and fingers are usually affected. The knuckles at the ends of your fingers usually are not. RA can cause joint deformities that freeze your fingers in unusual positions. Rheumatoid nodules and tendon inflammation can make it hard to bend the fingers. Nodules can cause a locking and catching action as your fingers bend.

Knees: It is easy to feel the swelling in the knees. A fluid-filled lump called a Baker's cyst often appears behind the knee. It can burst and leak fluid into the calf.

Feet and ankles: RA commonly affects the joints in the middle of the toes and the ankle joints. The deformities and pain in the toes can cause problems with walking. The sole of the foot can feel tingly or numb.

The progression of RA is hard to predict. The swelling of RA flares up and dies down, and milder forms of the disease often don't require much treatment. Mild RA may even go undiagnosed.