How Do You Know if You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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Hands with swollen jointsRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease where the body attacks its own tissues, particularly the tissues of the joints. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints. When RA affects the synovial membrane (the lining of a joint) it causes swelling, pain, and eventually erosion of the bone material underneath. Over time, the erosion of the bone material can cause a severe deformation of the joints. This may result in permanent physical disabilities and chronic pain. RA tends to begin slowly with minor symptoms that come and go. It usually affects both sides of the body. And, it tends to progress over a period of time. It is thought that up to 1.5 million Americans suffer from RA. The condition can strike at any age, though it often affects those between the ages of 30 to 60. The risk increases as you get older. Women are more likely to develop RA than men. Also, smokers and people with a family history of RA have higher chances of getting the disease. Symptoms of RA can vary from person to person. RA symptoms may even change from day to day. Bouts of RA symptoms are known as flare-ups, and inactive periods, when symptoms are manageable, are periods of remission.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

During the early stages of RA, you may feel a variety of symptoms, including:
  • fatigue, or a general weakness or a feeling of unease
  • dry mouth
  • dry, itchy, or inflammation of the eyes
  • eye discharge
  • numbness and tingling
  • joint pain,
  • In early RA, the most common sites for pain are the fingers and wrists. You may also experience pain in your knees, feet, ankles, or shoulders.
  • fever
  • morning stiffness, You may also feel stiffness after any period of inactivity like napping or sitting.
  • difficulty sleeping
  • chest pain when you breathe (pleurisy)
  • hard bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms
  • Appetite loss
  • weight loss
Left without medical care, RA can result in permanent joint damage. It may lead to many more health problems throughout your body. However, diagnosing RA isn’t always easy. There is not a single test to confirm it. Furthermore, its early signs can mimic those of other disorders, such as lupus or other forms of arthritis. If you suspect that you might have RA, you should see a doctor or rheumatologist for a diagnosis as soon as you can. Rheumatologists rely on a combination of your medical history, a physical exam, lab, and blood tests, and sometimes imaging tests to pinpoint the disease. Your doctor may order a C-reactive protein (CRP) test to help determine if you have RA. A measurement of the level of CRP in your blood increases when there is inflammation in your body. Your doctor might check your C-reactive protein level for infections or for other medical conditions as well. Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody blood tests look for proteins associated with RA. Testing positive for one increases your chances of RA diagnosis while testing positive for both raises your odds more. Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis, but doctors have a number of ways to help people manage the symptoms. Most medical care aims for remission, where the patient has few or no symptoms. When care begins early in the disease process, this can help minimize or slow damage to the joints and improve the quality of life for patients. A typical plan involves a combination of medication, exercise, rest, and protecting the joints. In extreme cases, surgery may be a requirement.
Medications doctors prescribe for pain such as analgesics, and for inflammation (NSAIDs) are fast-acting and can ease symptoms quickly. Medications such as DMARDs and biologic drugs take longer to have an effect, but they can help address inflammation and joint damage. However, these medicines are generally taken for a short duration, and at a minimal dose, because of the potential side effects. Damage to the stomach, kidneys, and liver can occur with prolonged use. They can be habit-forming, and your body may build up a tolerance over time. Talk with your doctor about what makes sense for you.

How Flexcin Supports Everyday Joint Comfort

A well-made joint supplement is formulated to support everyday joint comfort and mobility. Flexcin is a joint support supplement made with all-natural ingredients. It is highly reviewed and has a reputation for good manufacturing practices. If your joints feel stiff or achy day to day, adding a daily joint supplement to your routine may be worth considering. Many people make Flexcin part of their overall approach to keeping their joints comfortable and moving well. The Flexcin formula contains all-natural ingredients: CM8, Glucosamine Sulfate Potassium, Hydrolyzed Collagen Type II, MSM, Bromelain, Vitamin C, Manganese, Zinc, and an enzyme blend. These ingredients have been studied for their role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response, everyday joint comfort, and overall wellness. Many of our customers tell us Flexcin is their go-to joint support supplement. Flexcin is proudly made in the USA in an FDA-registered facility. The ingredients are chosen to help support joint lubrication, a healthy inflammatory response, and cartilage and joint structure. And, we offer it at a no-risk 90-day trial. If you try Flexcin and are unsatisfied with the results after taking it for three months, simply return the empty bottles for a full refund less shipping and handling.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.