Baseball Rheumatoid Arthritis- What You Need to Know

If you or someone you know suffers from baseball rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to be as informed as possible about the condition. Here, we’ll give you a rundown of everything you need to know about this debilitating form of arthritis.

1. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It can also cause fatigue and fever. RA is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that can lead to joint damage and disability. RA affects about 1% of the U.S. population. Women are three times more likely to get RA than men.

RA is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body’s immune system, which normally protects us from infection, attacks the body’s own tissue. In RA, the immune system attacks the lining of the joints (called the synovium). The inflammation caused by this attack can damage the cartilage and bone in the joints and lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Inflammation can also affect other organs in the body such as the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and skin.

2. What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The cause of RA is still unknown. However, researchers have identified certain risk factors that make a person more susceptible to developing the disease. These include:

Family history. If you have a close blood relative with RA, you’re more likely to develop the disease.

Gender. Women are three times more likely than men to get RA.

Obesity. People who are obese have an increased risk of developing RA.

Smoking. Cigarette smoking has been linked to an increased risk of RA and may also contribute to more severe symptoms.

3. Who is at Risk for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects people of all ages, but is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Women are three times more likely to develop RA than men, and the disease is seen more frequently in smokers than in non-smokers. People of Northern European descent also seem to be at increased risk, as rheumatoid arthritis is less common in African Americans, Asians, and Native Americans.

4. What are the Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

There are four main symptoms of RA:

Joint pain and stiffness- This is usually worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.
Inflammation- This causes the joints to swell and can lead to joint damage.
Fatigue- RA can cause fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell.
Fever- A mild fever may be present in people with RA.

5. How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosed?

There is no one test used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Usually, a combination of blood tests, x-rays, and Looking for physical signs of RA is the best way to diagnose RA.

Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your medical history. He or she will also give you a Physical Exam looking for:
– Warmth over the joints
– Tenderness over the joints
– Stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning
– Loss of range of motion in the joints
– Symptoms in the same joints on both sides of your body
– Fluid in your joints

6. What are the Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

There are many potential complications associated with rheumatoid arthritis, and the severity of these complications will vary from person to person. Some of the more common complications include:

* Joint damage: Over time, the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint damage, which can lead to pain, deformity, and disability.
* Bone loss: Rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to bone loss, particularly in the hands and feet. This bone loss can make bones weak and brittle, and increase the risk of fractures.
* carpal tunnel syndrome The carpal tunnel is a small space in the wrist through which nerves and tendons pass. When this space becomes narrowed or compressed, it can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome). Rheumatoid arthritis is a common cause of carpal tunnel syndrome
* Lung disease: Lung problems are relatively common in people with rheumatoid arthritis, and may include inflammation of the lining of the lungs (pleurisy) or inflammation of the air sacs within the lungs (pneumonia).
* Heart disease: Rheumatoid arthritis may also increase the risk of heart disease, particularly heart attacks.

7. How is Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated?

There is no cure for RA, but there are treatments that can help relieve pain and improve joint function. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, slow the progression of the disease, relieve symptoms, and maintain joint function. The type of treatment will be based on the severity of the disease.

Mild cases of RA may only require self-care measures such as heat/cold therapy and over-the-counter pain relievers. More severe cases may require prescription medications such as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic agents. Physical Therapy occupational therapy, and/or surgery may also be recommended.

8. Can Rheumatoid Arthritis be Prevented?

There is currently no known way to prevent RA, although researchers are working hard to find a way. Early diagnosis and treatment is the best way to prevent RA from causing long-term damage to your joints.

9. What is the Prognosis for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The prognosis for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has improved dramatically over the past few decades. With early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, many people with RA are able to live relatively normal lives. In fact, many people with RA can expect to live just as long as people without RA.

10. What Research is Being Done on Rheumatoid Arthritis?

There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatments are available to help relieve pain and improve function. Treatment for RA generally falls into two categories: disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologic response modifiers (biologics).