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What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks joints. The thickening of the skin, which drew the internal parts of the resulting inflamed joints (synovium), causes swelling and pain in and around the joints. The synovium forms a fluid that lubricates the joints and helps them move softly in a healthy way. (one)
If the inflammation control is not under control and continues, the cartilage and bones of the elastic tissue covering the ends of the joint bones may damage itself. Over time, cartilage loss occurs, and the common spaces between the bones begin to shrink. Because of this process, joints may become loose, unbalanced and painful, losing their mobility. Another condition in which joint deformities may also occur. If the disease progresses, the damage usually can not be reversed, but when diagnosed early, doctors may be able to control rheumatoid arthritis. (2nd)
Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. The common effect is usually symmetrical. So if a knee or hand is affected, the other knee and hand will usually be affected. Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease as it can also affect the body systems, such as the cardiovascular system or the respiratory system. Systemic means that it affects the whole body. (4)
Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
People with a history of rheumatoid arthritis may not always have redness or swelling in the joints, but tenderness and pain are often experienced. (5)
How to understand rheumatoid arthritis? Fatigue can be one of the symptoms that patients are experiencing and experiencing most of rheumatoid arthritis. Other indications are:
Joint pain
Swelling of joints (often accompanied by temperature and redness)
Hardness in joints (usually worse after morning and rest periods)
Muscle aches
Mild fever
Loss of appetite (unwanted weight loss)
Changes in the skin and nails
Anemia can also occur. Generally it causes fatigue and complexity in not feeling well in general.