PP discussing Rheumatoid Arthritis for Medical Assisting at Community Care College

1. Rheumatoid Arthristis
(RA) Stephen Luce

2. Doctors don’t know what starts this
process, although a genetic
component appears likely. While your
genes don’t actually cause rheumatoid
arthritis, they can make you more
susceptible to environmental factors –
such as infection with certain viruses
and bacteria – that may trigger the
disease.

3. At Risk
People between the
ages of 30 -50 yrs
Although it can occur at
virtually any age
It affects around 1.3
million Americans, which
70 of are women.

5. Exercising regularly those still and painful
joints can reduce the pain of RA. It also
Alternative helps keep bones and muscles strong, and
Treatments helps reverse joint stiffness. Choosing the
right exercise is important in RA patients
NSAIDS these drugs reduce pain and caution needs to be used with any exercise
inflammation but do not slow down the that puts pressure on the joints, like jogging
progression of the disease. and heavy weight lifting.
DMARDs disease-modifying antirheumatic
drugs which help slow or stop progressin of
RA. The most common prescribed is
methotrexate, DMARDs work to supress the
immune system. However, they aren’t
selective in their targets. In the end they
decrease the immune system overall and
increase likelihood of catching some
infections. But particularly methotrexate,
have seen dramatik improvements in severe
RA and can help joint function.
Steroids, for severe RA or when flare ups
occur. They may be recommended by your Knee Replacement Surgery ; While
doctore to ease pain and stiffness and osteoarthritis may strike just one knee,
afffected joints but are usually only used rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect both
temporarly. Possible long term effects sides of the body. It can also affect the
include high blood pressure, osteoporosis, hands, wrists, and feet. RA can also cause
and diabetes. other symptoms, such as fever and fatigue.

6. Alternative
Medicine
1
Plant oils
2
Fish oil
3
Tai chi
4
acupuncture
5
Cat’s clw
6
Moist heat
7
Borage seed oil

7. Symptoms
might
include;
1 2 3
Morning joint Swelling in the Rheumatoid
stiffness, wrist, hand, or Arthritis can also
Swellling/flui finger joints. cause firm lumps
d around Usually the under the skin
several same joints known as
joints at the are affected on rheumatoid
same time. both sides of nodules.
the body.

8. Connect with others, as in your family make them aware of how you’re feeling. Find a
1
family member or friend you can talk to when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Take time for yourself. Its easy to get caught up in the busy world but dont’t forget to take
2
time for yourself, travel, go for a walk, listen to your favorite music.
3
Know your limits. Your body knows when its oudone itself and need to recharge, so let it. A
rest or short nap that doesn’t interfere with your regualr sleep schedule.
Exercise regularly, certain excersise can help strengthen the muscles around the
4
joints and promote growth. So take a short walk, go swimming.
Take conrole, in other words make a plan for how you going to manage your arthritis.
5
This will help you feel in charge of your disease.
Apply heat or cole. Heat helps ease the pain and relax tense, painful muscles.. Cold
6
may lessen the sensation of pain but it also decreases muscle spasms.

9. "Rheumatoid Arthritis." Rheumatoid Arthritis. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2012.
<http://www.arthritis.org/rheumatoid-arthritis.php>.
"Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms, Treatment, Diet, Medications - MedicineNet."
MedicineNet. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Aug. 2012.
<http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm>.
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