Rheumatoid arthritis is a complex autoimmune condition affecting about 1% of people worldwide. It can start at any time, often targeting small joints in hands and feet before potentially spreading.

 

Understanding rheumatoid arthritis basics helps you spot early signs and seek timely medical advice. It’s the first step in effectively managing the condition and maintaining your quality of life. In this post, we’ll break down what you need to know about rheumatoid arthritis.

 

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is like your body’s defense system going rogue. Instead of protecting you, it starts attacking your joints. Think of rheumatoid arthritis as having two parts:

1. 1. The Joint Problem: Your joints are the main targets. The lining of your joints (called synovium) gets inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Over time, this can damage the joint itself, leading to changes in shape and function.
   2. The Immune System Mix-up: Your immune system, which usually fights off germs, gets confused. It starts treating your joint tissue like it’s an invader. This triggers inflammation and sets off a chain reaction in your body.

Common Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Understanding the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can help you catch it early. Here’s a closer look at the key signs.

Morning Stiffness and Pain

A hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is morning joint stiffness lasting over an hour. This differs from osteoarthritis, where stiffness typically eases within 30 minutes. The pain and stiffness can also return after periods of inactivity.

Fatigue and Feeling Unwell

The majority of people with rheumatoid arthritis experience fatigue. This is a deep, persistent exhaustion that can significantly impact daily life. Some people also report low-grade fever or loss of appetite.

Joint Progression

Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in smaller joints. Most people with the condition experience symptoms in their hand or foot joints first. It can then progress to larger joints like knees, hips, and shoulders.

 

It’s important to note that symptoms can vary from person to person and may fluctuate over time. Some people experience rapid onset of severe symptoms, while others develop them gradually.

 

Who’s at Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Understanding who’s more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis can help with early detection and prevention. Here’s a closer look at the key risk factors:

Gender Differences

Women are two to three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men. This difference is most noticeable between ages 30-50, but it becomes less pronounced after menopause.

Age of Onset

While rheumatoid arthritis often shows up between ages 30 and 50, it can start at any age. Some people develop it in childhood (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), while others might not see symptoms until later in life.

Family Connections

If you have a close relative with rheumatoid arthritis, your risk is higher. This doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop it, but it’s worth being aware of your family history.

Smoking

Smokers are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and often experience more severe symptoms. Smoking can also make some rheumatoid arthritis medications less effective. It’s another good reason to consider quitting or avoiding tobacco.

Weight

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Excess weight adds stress to joints and promotes inflammation, which can trigger autoimmune responses. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce this risk and alleviate symptoms.

 

Read more: Why Most Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments Don’t Give You the Relief You Deserve

 

Getting Help with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Lafayette, LA

Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Dr. Kevin’s Wellness Clinic, we offer a holistic approach to rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Lafayette, LA, and surrounding areas.

 

We combine traditional methods with advanced therapies like cold laser and cupping to address joint issues. Plus, our functional wellness approach tackles the root causes of your immune system imbalance.

 

We understand that everyone’s experience with rheumatoid arthritis is different. That’s why we create personalized treatment plans, tailoring our approach to your specific needs and symptoms.

 

We offer a free discovery call to discuss your situation and see if our approach is right for you. Schedule your discovery call to start.