Diagnosis
Other conditions are sometimes initially indistinguishable from rheumatoid arthritis, it may take several weeks before a definite diagnosis. Learn more about what you should do for a diagnosis here.
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Arthritis Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most crippling forms of arthritis, affecting about 1% of the adult population worldwide. Ladies Home Journal Online provides more information on this disease and how to deal with it. Learn more here.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of connective tissue. The most obvious damage occurs in joints, but the disease affects the whole body. Inflammation may harm the heart, lungs, blood vessels, eyes, lymph nodes, or spleen. Read here to find out more about the symptoms of arthritis and how it can fluctuate.
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Treatments
Patients must be active in recognizing flare-ups and drug side effects, as well as engaging in activities to maintain joint function to prevent disability.
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Don't Give Up!
People who succumb to feeling hopeless and helpless don't fare as well as those who refuse to give up.
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