Rheumatoid arthritis update 2017: Skin problems, depression, RA and feet, essential oils

rheumatoid-arthritis-and-skin-problemsAn estimated 1.3 million Americans have rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints of those affected. Autoimmune diseases occur when your own body’s immune system mistakes your own tissue as a foreign invader, leading it to attack it. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of many autoimmune diseases, but one that affects so many. To get our readers more acquainted with the topic, we have compiled a list of our most informative articles on the subject.

You will find information on rheumatoid arthritis and how it relates to skin problems, depression, and your kidneys. We have also provided an interesting article on essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis and how they can be used in conjunction with ongoing treatment regimens.

Rheumatoid arthritis and skin problems: Causes and treatment

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Rheumatoid arthritis and skin complication symptoms range from mild to severe, causing lesions. Although rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects the joints, it can involve organs and the skin, too. Many rheumatoid arthritis patients will experience skin manifestations and symptoms can vary greatly. On the severe side, skin complications can even result in lesions. Continue reading

Rheumatoid-arthritis-and-depression-linked-Depression-may-worsen-the-arthritis-painRheumatoid arthritis and depression linked: Depression may worsen the arthritis pain

Depression has been found to worsen pain experienced in rheumatoid arthritis. Rates of depression among rheumatoid arthritis patients is estimated between 13 to 42 percent which reveals how closely associated the two conditions really are. As to why depression is so prevalent in arthritis is that dealing with a chronic condition is stressful which can take a toll on someone’s mental health.

Depression can stem from the acknowledgement that a person with arthritis is unable to perform common functions which they did before or form living in pain. Furthermore patients may feel anxious that they now need to rely on others for support along with worrying about changes that are occurring with their bodies. Continue reading

Rheumatoid-arthritis-and-feetRheumatoid arthritis and feet: The connection and feet arthritis pain relief tips

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease involving the immune system, in which joints undergo inflammation. causing pain and stiffness. People with rheumatoid arthritis generally find difficulty performing simple movements that involve the joints, such as walking, standing up, and sitting down.

This condition has also affected individual performance at work or school, prompting the medical field to identify an effective treatment. Having this inflammatory condition affecting the joints may also be responsible for certain emergency visits to the hospital, especially when a person suffers from a decreased ability to operate a motor vehicle or machine. In other cases, visits to the emergency room may be due to extreme pain experienced by a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Continue reading

RA-and-Kidney-DiseaseRheumatoid arthritis and kidneys: Protecting your kidneys from RA

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Rheumatoid arthritis patients are at an increased risk for chronic kidney disease. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) along with an increase in inflammation within the first year of diagnosis, corticosteroid usage, hypertension, and obesity. The researchers recommend that rheumatoid arthritis patients be tested periodically for signs of kidney problems.
Patients should also work to manage blood pressure by avoiding high-salt diets and scaling back on medications that can harm the kidneys. Continue reading

essential-oils-for-rheumatoid-arthritis-painBenefits of using essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief

Essential oils for rheumatoid arthritis can be an effective option for those looking to reduce inflammation, stiffness, and pain. They should not be confused with fragrance oils or perfumes. Essential oils are derived from leaves, flowers, roots, bark, and other parts of plants.

While essential oils can be useful for alleviating some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, they will not stop or slow the progression of the disease. Essential oils are a natural and holistic option that can be used together with doctor prescribed rheumatoid arthritis medication. Continue reading


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