Rheumatoid Arthritis

Connective Tissue Disorders

“Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet” (Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis). This disorder is not unordinary, it is common in most people. According to Mayo Clinic, Rheumatoid arthritis is different than Osteoarthritis. “Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity”(Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis).The cause of this disorder is unknown. However, some believe that infectious agents are suspected to contribute to the cause. Rheumatoid arthritis can be diagnosed during your physical exam, the doctor will check your joints for redness, swelling, and warmth (Mayo Clinic). Symptoms of this disorder include: fatigue, joint pain, joint tenderness, joint swelling, and joint stiffness (Shiel p. 1).

Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis includes medication, occupational or physical therapy, and regular exercise (“Understanding RA Treatment”).

According to the Center For Disease Control and Prevention, “An estimated 1.5 million adults had rheumatoid arthritis in 2007”. Additionally, 26.0% of women and 19.1% men report doctor-diagnosed arthritis (CDC:Rheumatoid Arthritis). “4.6 million Non-Hispanic Blacks report doctor diagnosed arthritis, 2.9 million Hispanic adults, and 667,000 Asian/Pacific Islanders and 280,000 American Indians/Alaska Natives ( CDC: Rheumatoid Arthritis)”.

Overall, Rheumatoid Arthritis is a very serious connective tissue disorder that affects many people’s lives everyday. Something as simple as opening a bottle of water, may be challenging to someone living with RA.