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Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is a form of inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune disease. This happens when the immune system designed to protect a person’s body starts attacking the body’s own tissues instead.
The result is fluid build-up in joints which causes pain and can be systemic. It can occur throughout the body. And the really bad news is that RA cannot be cured.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease. Sufferers could experience “flares”, or intermittent bouts of intense disease activity. Some individuals go through long periods without any symptoms at all, or remission. And still others are plagued continuously and get worse over time.
Signs and Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms that you could be suffering from RA?
- Injuries that take a long time to heal
- Numbness or tingling in the hand
- Foot problems
- Eye trouble
- Achy joints
- Locked joints
- Nodules
What’s really tricky about RA is that any of the above symptoms can be mistaken for something else. Nodules can sometimes look like gout. Joint problems could be anything from meniscus tears to cysts to osteoarthritis. Some have been mistakenly diagnosed with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Numb hands? The most likely diagnosis is carpal tunnel syndrome. Foot pain? You could be told it’s because of the shoes you wear. Or maybe, plantar fasciitis.
And while RA may cause dryness not just in your eyes, but in the mouth, nose, throat or even the skin, your doctor will likely miss it unless you talk about experiencing other symptoms, too.
Time to See the Doctor?
Signs and symptoms will vary from person to person and may even change on a daily basis. You may notice your joints are warm to the touch. Or maybe you are starting to feel like your range of motion is becoming limited.
Could it be Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If there is inflammation, swelling and pain around the area, it most likely is. And one sure tell? RA is symmetrical. That means if one side of the body is affected, so will the corresponding joint on the other side. The joint pain could be getting worse, especially in the morning, or it could be accompanied by fever.
If you exhibit any of the above, then it is time to pay the doctor a visit.
The Role of Silica
One of the factors that increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis is exposure to silica. Silica is a chemical compound most commonly found in nature as sand or quartz. It is primarily a component of most types of glass and substances such as concrete.
A 5-year study made by a team of Swedish scientists actually determined that silica exposed men between 18-70 years old had a 2.2% increased risk of RA. In men between 50 and 70, the risk is a slightly higher 2.7%.
Men who had worked or are working with rock drilling or stone crushing are highly exposed and the risk for RA is 3%.
If your work has exposed you to silica and you fear you may have RA, or if any of the other factors may be present, do not hesitate to consult with a physician. Evidence has shown that early diagnosis coupled with aggressive treatment can put RA into remission. And that, unfortunately, is the best way to avoid any further joint destruction, organ damage and disability.
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