Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that mostly affects the joints.. In some people, this disease affects a wide range of body systems, including the lungs, eyes, skin, blood vessels, and heart. This autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues. This condition affects the joint lining and leads to painful swelling in the patient, which manifests itself in the form of bone erosion and joint deformation. Inflammation that occurs following rheumatoid arthritis can damage other parts of the body as well....despite the many treatment methods that exist...but its severe type can cause physical disability. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include: - Swelling, warmth and sensitivity in the joint - joint stiffness especially in the morning and also after inactivity - Anorexia, fatigue and fever This disease first affects the smaller joints, especially the joints of the fingers and toes. As the disease worsens, the symptoms often spread to the knees, ankles, wrists, shoulders, elbows, and hips. In most cases, the symptoms in the joint appear in the same way on both sides of the body... It should be noted that about half of the people who suffer from this disease experience symptoms that do not involve the joints... The parts of the body that are affected by this disease are as follows: - skin - blood vessels - eye - bone marrow - Lungs - nervous tissue - Heart - salivary glands - kidneys Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms vary in severity and sometimes you may experience symptoms and sometimes you may not have any symptoms.. Sometimes this disease can lead to changes in the shape of the joints and displacement. When should you see a doctor? If you have constant swelling and uncomfortable symptoms in your joints, it is recommended to visit a pain specialist for examination and treatment so that with a correct diagnosis, a proper treatment process can be created for you. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis As we said, this complication is a type of autoimmune disease....in a normal state, the immune system protects the body against diseases and infections. Now, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system fights against healthy body tissues, and eventually there is a chance of developing problems, including medical problems in the heart, lungs, eyes, nerves, and skin. Doctors do not know the exact cause of such a problem.. but it seems that a genetic factor plays a role. risk factors Some factors that may increase the risk of contracting this disease are as follows: ### Gender Women are more at risk of contracting this disease than men. ### age Rheumatoid arthritis can develop at any age, but it usually starts in middle age. ### Family history If one of your family members is affected by this disease, the probability of your getting it increases due to genetic reasons. ### Smoking Smoking increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, especially if you are genetically predisposed to the disease. ### Overweight People who are overweight are more at risk of contracting this disease than other people. Read more: What is nerve and muscle tissue and what is its use?. What are the side effects? If you have rheumatoid arthritis, the possibility of such problems increases: ### osteoporosis Rheumatoid arthritis itself, as well as the medications you take to treat it, increase the likelihood of osteoporosis. ### rheumatoid nodules This is a tissue condition that causes hard bumps around places like the elbow... It is possible to create it in other places such as the heart and lungs. ### Dry eyes and mouth People who suffer from this disease are more susceptible to Sjogren's syndrome, which is actually a disorder that reduces the amount of moisture in the eyes and mouth. ### infection Rheumatoid and many of the medications you take to treat it can suppress your immune system and ultimately make you more likely to get an infection. For this reason, you should watch out for diseases such as shingles, flu, pneumonia, etc. Carpal tunnel syndrome If carpal tunnel syndrome affects the wrist, the inflammation can put pressure on the nerves in the hand and fingers. ### Heart problems This disease can increase the risk of stiffness, blockage of arteries, etc. ### lung disease People with rheumatoid arthritis are at risk of increased inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, which can eventually lead to shortness of breath. ### Lymphoma Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of developing lymphoma, a group of blood cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. How is it diagnosed? It is very difficult to diagnose this disease in its early stages.. because it has similar symptoms to other diseases.... There is also no blood test to confirm this disease.... During the physical examination, your joints will be checked for heat, redness, and swelling. In addition, muscle strength is also checked... In general, with the help of these things, it is possible to help diagnose this disease: - Blood test (to check inflammatory markers) - Photography with the help of MRI, X-ray and ultrasound What treatment methods are there? There is no cure for this disease; But the treatment methods that help to improve the symptoms are listed below: - Drug therapy - Physiotherapy - Surgery If non-surgical treatment methods are not effective, surgery is considered for the patient.. Usually, the surgeries that are recommended to the patient are as follows: - synovectomy - tendon repair - joint fusion - Complete joint replacement home remedy One of the home remedies that can help control the symptoms of this disease is as follows: ### Exercise regularly Doing gentle exercises helps to strengthen the muscles around the joints and ultimately helps to reduce fatigue... Be sure to consult your doctor before starting to exercise. ### Use hot and cold compresses Using a warm compress helps relieve pain, relaxes tense and painful muscles.... A cold compress also helps relieve pain... ### Reduce your stress To control pain, you should practice stress reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.