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Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder in
which the bodies immune system attacks synovial membranes in the joints.
These membranes create lubricating fluid and thus when damaged or
destroyed inflammation occurs and thus the pain of arthritis. Rheumatoid
arthritis can occur at any age even under 18 years old. Rheumatoid arthritis
causes stiffness, swelling, fatigue, anemia, weight
loss, fever, pain and more...
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis, and is an
overactive autoimmune disorder. Like other autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid
arthritis is a "self attacking" disease. Where the person's immune
system incorrectly identifies the synovial membrane as foreign. Resulting in
inflammation that damages both cartilage and tissues around and inside the
joints. Often, the bone surfaces are destroyed because inflammation in the
joints causes enzyme production that digest nearby tissue. The human
body replaces the damaged tissue with scar tissue, causing spaces within the
joints to become smaller and the bones may fuse together. Rheumatoid
arthritis creates stiffness, swelling, fatigue, anemia,
weight loss, fever, and a crippling severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis
normally occurs in people below 40 years old. Over 2 million Americans have
this health problem, of which 75% are female. Juvenile arthritis is a form
of rheumatoid arthritis that strikes children under 16 years of age,
affecting over 71,000 young people who are mainly female. The start of
rheumatoid arthritis maybe triggered by physical or emotional stress, poor
diet and nutrition, or even bacterial infection. While osteoarthritis
affects individual joints, rheumatoid arthritis can affect all of the body's
synovial joints. Joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis tend to make a
sound like crinkling cellophane, and osteoarthritic joints make banging,
clicking, or popping noises. Arthritis can also be caused by bacterial,
viral, or fungal infection of a joint. The microorganisms most commonly
involved in this type of the disorder are streptococci, staphylococci,
gonococci, hemophilus or tubercle bacilli, and fungi such as Candida
albicans. Normally the infecting organism gets to a joint via the
bloodstream from an infection somewhere else in the body, but injury or even
surgery can cause joint infection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain,
and tenderness in the affected joint, often accompanied by systemic symptoms
of infection such as fever, chills, and body aches.
OTHER CHANGES TO MAKE - drink steam distilled water (6-8 glasses a day) |
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Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only. This information is offered to you with the understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice. All medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care provider.
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Women |
Men |