What is the most common complication of rheumatoid arthritis?
“Dry eye is one of the most common complications of rheumatoid arthritis,” says Dr. Kumthekar. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis also have another autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s syndrome, in which your immune system attacks moisture-producing cells like the salivary and tear glands, causing dry eye.
What type of long term damage can occur in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis?
In the long term, joints can become deformed. Having RA also puts you at greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a weakening of the bones. This in turn can increase your risk of bone fractures and breaks.
What happens if rheumatoid arthritis is not treated?
Without appropriate treatment, chronic pain, disability, and excess mortality are unfortunate outcomes of this disease. RA causes joint damage in 80\% to 85\% of patients, with the brunt of the damage occurring during the first 2 years of the disease. Left untreated, the risk of mortality is increased.
Can Rheumatoid Arthritis paralyze you?
RA causes symptoms that range from numbness and tingling to paralysis. It can result from joint damage that RA causes, the disease process itself, or medications that treat it.
What parts of the body does rheumatoid arthritis affect?
RA affects joints on both sides of the body, such as both hands, both wrists, or both knees. This symmetry helps to set it apart from other types of arthritis. Over time, RA can affect other body parts and systems, from your eyes to your heart, lungs, skin, blood vessels, and more.
What is the life expectancy of someone with rheumatoid arthritis?
A person cannot die from RA. However, the widespread inflammation that characterizes the condition can lead to life-threatening complications. According to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network, a person with RA may have a lifespan that is approximately 10, or at most 15, years shorter than average.
What are the best treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the body along special points to relieve pain. If you don’t like needles, acupressure uses firm pressure instead. Studies show that curcumin/turmeric and omega-3 fish oil supplements may help with rheumatoid arthritis pain and morning stiffness.
What are the long term effects of rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a reduction in red blood cells. This is called anemia. Anemia may cause fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, leg cramps, and insomnia, or sleeplessness.