Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints and is the most common form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the synorium–the lining that surrounds the bones in the joints–to become inflamed. When the synorium becomes inflamed it causes swelling, pain and stiffness in the joints. Inflamed joints can eventually release enzymes that eat away at the cartilage in joints, causing osteoarthritis as well.
There have been many rheumatoid arthritis advancements in treatment and prevention. Symptoms vary from person to person, but they are easier to recognize than other arthritis symptoms. These symptoms include swelling of the joints, loss of appetite, fatigue, anemia, feeling of warmth and aching in the joints. Some patients develop large lumps under the skin. Other symptoms in clued loss of appetite, fever, fatigue and anemia.
Recent Rheumatoid Arthritis Advancements
Despite the many rheumatoid arthritis advancements made in the way of research and diagnosis, there is still no known cause of the disease. Many physicians believe that the disease can be triggered by viral infections or exposure to toxins. Others say that it could be passed on genetically. Many also believe that rheumatoid arthritis is closely connected to hormones. This is mostly because more women develop the disease than men.
All that can be known for sure is that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means that it happens when the body begins to produce antibodies that attack healthy joints. One of the most recent rheumatoid arthritis advancements has been the discovery of gyconutrients and their effect on autoimmune diseases. Studies show that glyconutrients can help to reduce inflammation in joints and promote healthy cell regeneration.
