Price: Rs.1500/- (US $35 approx)

General Information

DESCRIPTION
A long-term illness characterized by joint disease that involves muscles, membrane linings of the joints and cartilage. Sometimes the eyes and blood vessels are affected. It is 3 times more common in women than men. It begins between ages 20 and 60, with a peak incidence between ages 35 and 45.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Slow or sudden onset of:
• Redness, pain, warmth and tenderness in any or all active joints in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, feet and ankles.
• Morning stiffness.
• Low-grade fever.
• Nodules under the skin (sometimes).

CAUSES
Unknown, but probably an autoimmune disease.

RISK INCREASES WITH
• Family history of rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders.
• Genetic factors, such as autoimmune system defects.
• Female age 20–50.
• Native American ethnicity (prevalence is higher in this group).
• Flare-ups may be triggered by emotional stress.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES
No specific preventive measures.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
• The disease may be mild or severe. It is presently incurable, but pain relief, prevention of disability and an active, normal life span are usually possible with early diagnosis.
• Conservative treatment relieves symptoms in 1 year in 75% of patients. About 5% to 10% of patients are eventually disabled, despite treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
• Impaired vision.
• Permanent deformity and crippling.
• Drugs used in treatment can induce complications, such as gastric problems, and those associated with long-term steroid use.
• Moderate anemia.
Treatment

GENERAL MEASURES
• Laboratory blood studies to detect a rheumatoid factor.
• Splints at night may be helpful to support and protect a joint with active disease.
• Gloves at night to retain heat.
• Relieve pain with heat, including hot soaks, heat lamps, heating pads or whirlpool treatments.
• If you don't have a firm mattress, place 3/4-inch plywood between your bed springs and mattress to support your back.
• Consider moving to a dry climate. Damp weather aggravates symptoms.
• Additional information available from the American Rheumatism Association. Telephone (800) 282-7023; or Arthritis Foundation, 1314 Spring Street N.W., Atlanta, GA 30309. Telephone (800) 283-7800.

MEDICATIONS
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin and other salicylates; gold compounds; immunosuppressive drugs.
• Cortisone drugs usually relieve pain dramatically for short periods, but they are less effective for long-term use. They don't prevent progressive joint destruction, and they sometimes have hazardous side effects. Cortisone injections into joints can temporarily relieve pain.

ACTIVITY
• Stay in bed, except to use the bathroom, until fever and other signs of an active flare-up disappear.
• Remain active, but include daily rest periods. Sleep for 10 to 12 hours each night. Don't become overtired.
• Stand, walk and sit erectly.
• When able, exercise actively to preserve strength and joint mobility. Build up slowly to the amount suggested. Exercising in a heated pool is good for stiff joints.
• Exercise disabled joints passively to help prevent contractures.

DIET
Eat a normal, well-balanced diet. Avoid arthritis diet fads, which are common. Lose weight if you are obese. Obesity stresses the joint.