Not Just Our Bones
Osteoarthritis is a common bone health problem that many of us will get in time. It’s caused by overuse of our joints to the point protective cartilage is worn down. Rheumatoid arthritis can also give us pains in the same joints, but it’s caused by our immune systems targeting our tissues, rather than wear and tear. This doesn’t only occur in our joints but in other areas of our body too. This response can lead to further health problems if we miss the symptoms.
What to look for
When we have rheumatoid arthritis, we can also get anaemia, which is when our blood cells struggle to deliver oxygen to cells. Classic signs of this condition are dizziness, fatigue and shortness of breath. As well as anaemia, we have an increased risk of heart disease, caused by hardening of our arteries. This can be difficult to detect but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help keep our circulation in top condition. We should visit our GPs if we experience cardiovascular pains or tightness.
In addition to targeting linings in our joints, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the tissue in our eyes leading to Sjogren’s syndrome. This can cause our eyes to become dry and affect our vision. Our bones can also develop osteoporosis, which is sometimes a side effect of medication. It results in brittle bones that fracture easily and may show as back pain or loss in height.