Knowing More About Rheumatoid Diseases

What is the Difference between Rheumatoid Diseases and Arthritis?

Rheumatoid disease, rheumatism, and arthritis are often used alternately to describe a certain joint condition; however, there is a slight difference between these three. Arthritis is just category of rheumatoid diseases. Though there are different categories, all may cause stiffness, pain, swelling of the joints, and other body structures, such as tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments. Rheumatoid diseases may also affect more than one area of the body, including the internal organs. There are also some related diseases that may involve connective tissues, while there are some that may develop because of autoimmune disorder, meaning the immune system attacks its healthy tissues and cells.

Who Treats this Disease?

This disease may be treated by physicians, healthcare providers, and other medical specialists. The involvement of physicians from other medical specialties may also be required to treat this disease simultaneously. This multidisciplinary team approach is important in managing the symptoms as well as the complications of a rheumatoid disease. Some of the most common medical professionals and specialists often involved in the treatment of this disease are:

o Primary care physician;
o Internist;
o Rheumatologist;
o Orthopedic Surgeon;
o Physical Therapist;
o Occupational Therapist;
o Podiatrist;
o and Nurses.

Who is affected by this disease?

Anyone, at any race, gender, or age may be affected by this disease. However, certain types are more common in certain demographics, including the following:

o 70% of people affected with rheumatoid arthritis, a certain type of rheumatoid disease, are women;
o Elderly are more affected by Osteoarthritis, another type of rheumatoid disease;
o 2% of the U.S. population is affected by Fibromyalgia;
o Men are more affected by gout;
o Women are more affected by Scleroderma;
o Women are 8 to 10 times affected by lupus than men;
o and Men are more affected by Ankylosing spondylitis.

What Causes this Disease?

Up until now, the causes of this disease are still unknown. This is perhaps because the causes may vary depending on what type of rheumatoid disease was diagnosed on the patient. However, medical researchers and specialists believe that the following play a big role in the development of this disease in a person:

o lifestyle choices;
o family history and genetics;
o infection;
o trauma;
o metabolic disturbances;
o neurogenic disturbances;
o stress and excessive wear and tear on the joints;
o hormonal influence;
o and environmental triggers.

What are the symptoms of different types of this disease?

Because rheumatoid diseases come in different category, it is quite hard to identify the symptoms for each. However, general symptoms may include the following:

o swelling in the joints;
o joint pain;
o joint stiffness in the early morning;
o tenderness or chronic pain in the joints;
o redness and warmth in the joint area;
o limited movement in the joints;
o and fatigue.

The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid diseases may be similar to other medical problems and conditions. Thus, it is advisable that you consult you physician or doctor for a diagnosis.