Washington DC Metropolitan Area
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (long-term) disease. Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms can come and go, and each person with RA is affected differently. Some people have long periods of remission. Their rheumatoid arthritis is inactive, and they have few or no symptoms during this time. Other people might have near-constant rheumatoid arthritis symptoms for months at a stretch.
Although rheumatoid arthritis can involve different parts the body, joints are always affected. When the disease acts up, joints become inflamed. Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection or other threats, but in rheumatoid arthritis inflammation occurs inappropriately and for unknown reasons.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Joint Inflammation
Joint inflammation is a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis. That includes:
- Stiffness. The joint is harder to use and might have a limited range of motion. "Morning stiffness" is one of the hallmark symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. While many people with other forms of arthritis have stiff joints in the morning, it takes people with rheumatoid arthritis more than an hour (sometimes several hours) before their joints feel loose.
- Swelling. Fluid enters into the joint and it becomes puffy; this also contributes to stiffness.
- Pain. Inflammation inside a joint makes it sensitive and tender. Prolonged inflammation causes damage that also contributes to pain.
- Redness and warmth. The joints may be somewhat warmer and more pink or red than neighboring skin.
Which joints does RA affect? The hands are almost always affected, although literally any joint can be affected with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: knees, wrists, neck, shoulders, elbows, even the jaw. Joints are usually affected in a symmetrical pattern -- the same joints on both sides of the body.
Local Search Results in Washington DC
- Description of EvidenceBackground Incidence and mortality Endometrial cancer is the most common invasive gynecologic cancer in U.S. women,with an estimated 43,470 new cases expected to occur in 2010.[ 1 ] This disease primarily affects postmenopausal women at an average age of 60 years at diagnosis.[ 2 ] In the United States,it is estimated that approximately 7,950 women will die of endometrial cancer in 2010.[ 1 ] ...WebMD Public Information from the National Cancer Institute
- Cellular Classification of Salivary Gland CancerSalivary gland neoplasms are remarkable for their histologic diversity. These neoplasms include benign and malignant tumors of epithelial,mesenchymal,and lymphoid origin. Salivary gland tumors pose a particular challenge to the surgical pathologist. Differentiating benign from malignant tumors may be difficult,primarily because of the complexity of the classification and the rarity of ...WebMD Public Information from the National Cancer Institute
- Psychosocial Issues in Inherited Breast Cancer SyndromesIntroduction Psychosocial research in the context of cancer genetic testing helps to define psychological outcomes,interpersonal and familial effects,and cultural and community responses. It also identifies behavioral factors that encourage or impede surveillance and other health behaviors. It can enhance decision-making about risk-reduction interventions,evaluate psychosocial interventions ...WebMD Public Information from the National Cancer Institute
- SignificanceIncidence and Mortality Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in North American men,excluding skin cancers. It is estimated that in 2006,approximately 234,460 new cases and 27,350 prostate cancer-related deaths will occur in the United States.[ 1 ] Prostate cancer is now the third leading cause of cancer death in men,exceeded only by lung cancer and colorectal cancer. It ...WebMD Public Information from the National Cancer Institute
- Description of the EvidencePrevention is defined as the reduction of cancer mortality via reduction in the incidence of cancer. This can be accomplished by avoiding a carcinogen or altering its metabolism; pursuing lifestyle or dietary practices that modify cancer-causing factors or genetic predispositions; medical intervention (e.g.,chemoprevention); or early detection strategies that can result in removal of ...WebMD Public Information from the National Cancer Institute
Other Top US Cities
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.