ASK THE DOCTOR               

Daniel Rowe, M.D., Board Certified in Internal Medicine

What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis and is an inflammation of the lining of the joints. It is a systemic disease, which means it affects the entire body.

What are the causes?
Although we don't know yet what causes rheumatoid arthritis, we do know it is an autoimmune disease. This means the body does not operate normally, and the immune system attacks the healthy tissue in the joints, causing pain, inflammation and joint damage.

What are the symptoms?
Besides joint swelling, pain and difficulty moving, other symptoms include:

• Loss of overall energy and appetite
• Anemia
• Fever
• Lumps, or nodules, of tissue under the skin

How can I manage rheumatoid arthritis?
Ask your doctor about ways to reduce swelling and inflammation in your joints and how to maintain joint function. Some of the things he or she may consider include:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, analgesics or glucocorticoids
• Medications that will modify the disease such as prednisone, methotrexate, azulfidine or gold salts.