Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system attacks the joints creating inflammation and the resultant symmetrical poly-arthritis typically affecting the wrists, knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, and neck.
Swelling, heat, deformity of joints, morning stiffness and pain with passive motions are all hallmark symptoms. Seventy percent of patient’s exhibit radiologic signs of damage within three years of onset, so early aggressive preventative therapies are important to protect joint integrity.
Reversing joint damage is difficult. An “ounce of prevention” is truly “worth a pound of cure” in this case. Systemically patients additionally experience fatigue, depression, general malaise, loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes and spleen, and visual impairments.
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