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Rheumatoid Arthritis Muscle Weakness: is This a Common Side Effect?
9/23 15:22:18

Around the world millions of people suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. This common auto-immune disease that can cause disfigurement has been even seen in the bones of ancient people.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints and the surrounding tissue in the joints of the body. As an auto-immune disease, this can be difficult to treat as the bodies immune system is in essence fighting within itself. The immune system was designed to protect the body from invading disease, with an auto-immune system disease; the immune system is attacking healthy tissue, causing large amounts of damage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is often suspected when a patient complains of pain in the joints; morning stiffness and red swollen joints are evident. Blood test will be run to determine if this is Rheumatoid Arthritis or another auto-immune disease. Patients also can experience other symptoms with this disease, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis muscle weakness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Muscle Weakness: What Happens To Cause This Pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis muscle weakness occurs as the swelling in the joints pushes the muscles, causing weakness and pain. Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis muscle weakness are also the ones that have had the disease for awhile, and may have extensive joint damage. The joint damage is obvious, as the joints, which are generally the smaller joints in the hands and feet have become so swollen that they are deformed. Again, this deformity puts pressure onto surround muscles and tissue that then are affected.

Rheumatoid Arthritis muscle weakness is not only painful but can cause patients to be unable to do simple tasks such as lifting items. The weekend muscles make carrying and lifting painful and patients may find they are unable to do simple tasks without dropping items.

There is research into how to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis muscle weakness. This disorder affects so many patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis that finding a way to make their lives better is a goal for researchers. There have been studies on a variety of medicines that could help improve muscle condition in people with Rheumatoid Arthritis, but unfortunately nothing has really stood out as a true benefit. Research into Creatine was conducted, but there was not enough conclusive evidence to determine that this was beneficial to patients.

If Rheumatoid Arthritis muscle weakness is a problem for a patient, discuss this side effect with your physician. The more information a doctor has on a patient's condition, the wider the course of treatment that can be provided.

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