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Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a serious autoimmune disorder in which white blood cells attack the cartilage in the joints.  As well, since rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, it can attack other parts of the body in addition to the joints, most commonly the bones, muscles and skin.  Rheumatoid arthritis can range from mild to severe.  It is often exceedingly painful and can cripple its sufferers.  We have put together a list of common signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis below.

Also, we have information on diagnosis, helpful books and valuable resources for patients.

The Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are as follows:

  • Inflammation, pain and tenderness in the joints, usually the shoulders, the elbows, the wrists, the fingers, the ankles or the toes
  • Morning stiffness
  • Stiffness after sitting for a long period
  • Swelling in at least one joint
  • Pain in at least one joint
  • Deformity of joints
  • Joint swelling
  • Joints tender to the touch
  • Lumps or nodules under the skin on the forearm below the elbow
  • Swollen lymph glands
  • Low-grade fever
  • Weight loss
  • Chronic infections
  • Dry mouth
  • Eye problems
  • X-ray evidence of rheumatoid arthritis



Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

Rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to diagnose, as it can mimic many other conditions.  Tests that can help to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis include:

  • Rheumatoid factor – approximately 70 percent of patients have RF antibodies in the blood
  • Specific genetic marker HLA-DR4, found in approximately 65 percent of RA patients
  • MRI and CT scans can show damage to the soft tissues, muscle, cartilage and joints

It is important to note that during early stage rheumatoid arthritis, all tests may be normal.  The earliest stage, however, is when treatment is most effective.  If you are showing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it is imperative to consult with a rheumatologist as soon a spossible.


Recommended – Test for Heavy Metals and Mineral Imbalances using Hair Tissue Analysis

Hair Tissue Analysis Report

Hair Tissue Analysis Report

We suggest getting a hair tissue mineral analysis (HTMA) to help you determine accurately what your body needs more of in terms of essential trace minerals and needs to eliminate in terms of toxic heavy metals and toxic mineral ratios. Toxic mineral ratios and toxic metal accumulation following long term or acute exposure can contribute greatly to degenerative conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium and sodium all have important metabolic functions. However, too little or too much of any of these essential minerals can have an adverse affect on the human body and it’s ability to recover.

How can a hair analysis help me achieve better health? If we consider that diet is what we consume and nutrition is what we retain, then we can see that discovering what your body needs when it needs it is a valuable tool in creating health.

The dangers of exposure to toxic heavy metals such as mercury, lead and aluminum have been well documented over the years. Levels of heavy metals in the body can only be accurately measured using a hair tissue analysis or a chelation challenge test (which can be expensive and have serious side-effects). Blood or urine tests give information about your metal or mineral levels at the time of the test only.

Testing for minerals in the urine measures the minerals that are being excreted from your body – not necessarily what has been absorbed as fuel for your body. So blood and urine tests are like snapshots whereas a hair analysis is the video of your mineral retention.

A hair analysis provides a biological profile of the past 2 – 3 months of intracellular activity revealing a unique metabolic world, which cannot be seen through most other tests. The hair mineral analysis gives you or your healthcare professional much-needed information about mineral deficiencies and chemical imbalances in your body, especially if you’re suffering from symptoms of any disease or disorder, including rheumatoid arthritis.

For FAQ’s about hair analysis, please click here.

For an overview of what is covered in a comprehensive hair analysis report (by Trace Elements, Inc.), please click here.

Hair Analysis Graph Results 1

Hair Analysis Bar Graph Results 2

Bar Graph Results

shopping cart icon To purchase a comprehensive Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (by Trace Elements, Inc.) from Evenbetternow Natural Health Solutions, please click here.


Books For People With Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (Johns Hopkins Press Health Book)
Edward D. Harris Jr.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Infection Connection {Targeting and Treating the Cause of Chronic Illness}
Katherine M. Poehlmann


A Resilient Life: Learning to thrive, not just survive with rheumatoid arthritis
OTR, Kat Elton
The First Year: Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed
M. E. A. McNeil


Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

The possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

  • Infection (mycoplasma, bacterial or viral)
  • Toxic metal accumulation
  • Food allergies
  • Vaccinations
  • Heredity
  • Stress resulting in hormonal disruptions that control inflammation

Why Detoxification is Important?

If there is one thing that seems to be true, it is that autoimmune disease patients have a toxic body. The more discomfort you are in, the more pain you are feeling, the sicker and more toxic you are. Inflammation and irritation are classic signs of a toxic body. Although environmental toxins are not the only cause of the autoimmune process, it may be what is the root cause of the other factors such as candida, viral or bacterial infections.



Rheumatoid Arthritis Resources

General Patient Resources

  • Arthritis Foundation

The basics about this disease that affects 1.3 million Americans.

http://www.arthritis.org/rheumatoid-arthritis.php

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis . com

Your source for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) information. Find information on understanding RA, living with RA, RA treatments, talking to your doctor, and more.

http://www.rheumatoidarthritis.com/ra/

  • National Institute of Arthritis and Muskoloskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

This booklet is for people who have rheumatoid arthritis, as well as for their family members, friends, and others who want to find out more about this disease. The booklet describes how rheumatoid arthritis develops, how it is diagnosed, and how it is treated, including what people can do to help manage their disease.

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp

  • MD Junction

A community of patients, family members and friends dedicated to dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis, together.

http://www.mdjunction.com/forums/rheumatoid-arthritis-discussions

  • Arthritis Insight

Rheumatoid arthritis forum.

http://www.arthritisinsight.com/forum/forum_topics.asp?FID=8



Medical Resources

  • Mayo Clinic

Comprehensive overview covers signs, symptoms and treatment of this inflammatory arthritis.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020

  • Medicine Net . com

Learn more about rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes chronic joint inflammation.

http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/article.htm

  • Medline Plus

A service of  the US National Library of Medicine

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rheumatoidarthritis.html