Rheumatoid Arthritis

Approximately five in 1000 Malaysians are affected by a disease of the joints without even knowing that what they are suffering is in fact Rheumatoid Arthritis.

What then is Rheumatoid Arthritis and how much do you know about it?
An article in The Star on Rheumatoid Arthritis states:

"...that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which joints, usually including those of the hands and feet, are symmetrically inflamed, resulting in swelling, pain, and often the eventual destruction of the joint’s interior.

The condition may start off as a slight stiffness or some tenderness and swelling in the joints, particularly in the mornings. However, many people ignore the pain and view it as a temporary irritation rather than a possible medical condition as it usually fades away after an hour or two, or after massaging and placing a warm cloth over the affected areas."

Read more about Rheumatoid Arthritis... The Star

Should People With Arthritis Exercise?

Should People With Arthritis Exercise? The answer to this question is "Yes." Studies have shown that exercise helps people with arthritis in many ways. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness and increases flexibility, muscle strength, cardiac fitness, and endurance. It also helps with weight reduction and contributes to an improved sense of well-being.

What Is Arthritis? Many people use the word “arthritis” to refer to all rheumatic diseases. However, the word literally means joint inflammation - swelling, redness, heat, and pain caused by tissue injury or disease in the joint. There are over 100 forms of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. These diseases may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints and other supporting structures of the body such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. Some forms can also affect other parts of the body, including various internal organs. Here is more information on arthritis.

Source: NIAMS