Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview

Arthritis is a very common condition in America. Approximately 43 million people have doctor diagnosed arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. There are about 100 reported different types of arthritis or rheumatic conditions. Some of the most common that you may have heard of are osteoarthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Approximately 2.1 million people have RA. Arthritis is a term for joint inflammation (swelling). Inflammation occurs in the tissue surrounding the joint and other connective tissues in the body.

RA is found in multiple joints of the body and is classified as a systemic (whole body) inflammatory disease. RA most commonly affects the lining of the joints, but may affect organs of the body. The swelling of the joints leads to a destruction of the bone and cartilage and could cause the joint to be deformed. Patients complain of pain, swelling, stiffness and redness in the joint affected. The cause of RA is not completely understood, but a problem with the body's immune (defense) response is thought to be involved. No cure is available, but new medications are successful in managing the disease.

Some of the medications used to treat RA are for pain such as non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin and acetaminophen. Other medications may reduce inflammation such as steroids. There is also a class of disease-modifying antirheumatic medications that slow disease progression. The newest medications are biological response modifiers which block parts of the body's immune system. Your doctor may suggest several different types of medications to help with your condition.

Living with RA

If you are receiving treatment:

• Goals of Treatment:
  • Relieve pain.
  • Reduce inflammation.
  • Slow down or stop joint damage.
  • Improve general wellness and life quality.
• Know your medications and their side effects.
• Report any side effects you feel to your doctor right away.
• If you have questions ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Learning about your treatment is important so that you can manage the pain from your condition and take part in your everyday life. To learn more about RA, please visit: http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/topics/arthritis/rahandout.htm or www.arthritis.org.

Healthy Pointers:

• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Eat a well balanced diet.
• Stay active with regular exercise when you feel well.
• Rest when you are having active symptoms of the disease.
• Use devices that help with everyday activities (zipper pulls, long-handled shoe horns, aids for the bed, shower and toilet).
• Look for ways to reduce emotional stress.
• See your doctor regularly.

Questions? Call us at 1.888.282.5166 or email us.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
OptionCare Specialty Pharmacy, 1350 Highland Drive, Suite D, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, 1.888.282.5166
OptionCare is a registered trademark of OptionCare, Inc.
© Copyright 2008 OptionCare, Inc. All Rights Reserved.