rheumatoid arthritis
Chronic joint inflammation
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually erode bone and deform joints.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects joints symmetrically—both hands, both knees: Her rheumatoid arthritis made mornings especially difficult.
Favoring reform and innovation
- lifelongLasting entire existence
- disabilityImpairment affecting life activities
- debilitatingCausing severe impairment
- remissionTemporary disease absence
flare-ups · management · adaptation · fatigue · limitation · irreversible · persistent · quality of life
Inflamed joint membrane
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
- rednessCrimson-hued state
- heatTransferred thermal energy
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
cytokines · edema · flare-up · interleukins · prostaglandins · vasculitis · morning stiffness · warmth
Immune system targets self
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
- self-toleranceAccepting your own imperfections
cytokines · immune system · immunosuppression · anti-CCP · immunopathology · biologics · DMARDs · immunotherapy
Antifolate chemotherapy agent
- biologicsDrugs derived from organisms
- DMARDsMedications altering autoimmune course
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
- NSAIDsOver-the-counter pain class
hydroxychloroquine · physical therapy · occupational therapy · joint replacement · rheumatologist · infusion · injection · remission
Bodily or emotional distress
- stiffnessResistance to deformation
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
morning stiffness · malaise · weakness · limited mobility · numbness · tingling · muscle aches · weight loss
progressive
Favoring reform and innovation
- lifelongLasting entire existence
- disabilityImpairment affecting life activities
- debilitatingCausing severe impairment
remission · flare-ups · management · adaptation · fatigue · limitation · irreversible · persistent · quality of life · coping
synovitis
Inflamed joint membrane
tenderness · cytokines · edema · flare-up · interleukins · prostaglandins · vasculitis · morning stiffness · warmth · inflamed
autoimmunity
Immune system targets self
- antibodiesProteins targeting pathogens
- T-cellsThymus-matured immune lymphocytes
- B-cellsAntibody-secreting immune cells
self-tolerance · cytokines · immune system · immunosuppression · anti-CCP · immunopathology · biologics · DMARDs · immunotherapy · thymus
methotrexate
Antifolate chemotherapy agent
- biologicsDrugs derived from organisms
- DMARDsMedications altering autoimmune course
- corticosteroidsInflammation-suppressing steroid medications
NSAIDs · hydroxychloroquine · physical therapy · occupational therapy · joint replacement · rheumatologist · infusion · injection · remission
pain
Bodily or emotional distress
- stiffnessResistance to deformation
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
- swellingAbnormal tissue enlargement
tenderness · morning stiffness · malaise · weakness · limited mobility · numbness · tingling · muscle aches · weight loss · fever
erosion
Gradual wearing away
- deformityAbnormal body structure
- ankylosisAbnormal joint fusion
- cartilage damageHarm to rubbery connective tissue
- diseasescancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, influenza, measles
- chronic conditionsdiabetes, heart disease, asthma, hypertension, COPD
- orthopedicsorthopedic surgeon, orthopedic surgery, bone fracture, joint replacement, hip replacement
- arthritisgout, psoriatic, spondylitis
- Bone Ailmentsosteoporosis, bone fracture, fracture, fractures, bone cancer
- chronic illnesschronic pain, exhaustion, chronic fatigue, fatigue, malaise
arthritis, rheumatism, arthritic, rheumatic, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, arthritics