Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition which stems from the blood supply, carrying immune factors which are led to the joints – this means that the condition doesn’t just affect the joints though. It also affects the lungs, heart and eyes, in addition to various other organs. One aspect of this condition which many people complain of is the sense of fatigue that is causes, and this is one reason behind this symptom – the immune facet of this disease creates flu-like symptoms which cause malaise. It is generally linked to older people, but it can affect people of any age, including children.
There is also the swelling feature of rheumatoid arthritis which many people complain of. This can lead to immense levels of pain in the joints and is caused by excess fluid building internally around the joint. For many people with this condition, it can result in constant pain which is both debilitating and draining. This, in addition to skin nodules, can be one of the many side effects of RA which can result in multiple hospital visits and medicinal therapies for the individual to try and combat the pain of this disease.
If you’re worried about your risk of developing arthritis, or think you might already have symptoms of the condition, you should speak to your GP. Rheumatoid arthritis is notoriously difficult to diagnose, but if it is spotted earlier you can begin treatment to help you manage the condition and limit your painful symptoms.