Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects close to 1.5 million people in the United States alone. There are twice as many female patients as male, most of whom are between the ages of 30 and 60. Rheumatoid Arthritis attacks multiple joints throughout the body. It usually starts small, such as in the hands and feet; which is why most people don’t take it seriously enough until the symptoms become unbearable.

Seeing as Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease, early detection is so, so important. Failure to do so can result in painful complications such as osteoporosis, dry eyes and mouth, infections, abnormal body composition, carpal tunnel, heart problems and lung disease.

Early symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, tenderness and swelling, redness, warmth, and an overall loss of joint range of motion. A healthy immune system protects the body by attacking foreign viruses and bacteria, so an autoimmune disease like RA causes the body to attack healthy tissue by mistake.

Please, if you’re suffering from any of these symptoms, give us a call at the number shown on screen or visit our website to see what we can do for you. Unfortunately, the exact cause of RA isn’t known. It’s thought to be genetic, but many doctors worldwide suspect that some chemical or environmental triggers can “activate” it, so to speak.

RA typically affects the same joints on both sides, unlike osteoarthritis which is more isolated. While there’s currently no cure, there are various surgical and non-surgical treatment options available; including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, Orthotics, or surgery.

The most important thing to note is that self-diagnosis is dangerous. Never underestimate the power of a professional diagnosis! It’s the difference between a life of pain, or a life of healing. Call us today or visit us online, and let’s get to work winning the war against your Rheumatoid Arthritis.