Rheumatoid Arthritis is a degenerative bone disorder caused by an autoimmune disease commonly used as an alternate name for inflammatory arthritis. This disease commonly affects women which is two or three times greater in occurrence. The autoimmune reaction takes place in the synovial tissues of the joints in rheumatoid arthritis. Immune responses like phagocytes produces enzymes destroying the synovial tissues of the joints. These enzymes break down the collagen of the target tissues causing fluid accumulation in the area (edema), explosion of the synovial membrane and formation of pannus in this region. Pannus acts in obliterating the cartilages and gradually erodes bone tissues. The effect of this erosion leads to loss of articular surfaces and decreasing joint motion. Thus, losing the elasticity and contractility of tendons and ligaments, and oftentimes undergo degenerative changes in muscle fibers.

Normally, joint involvement prototype starts in the little joints of the hands, wrist and feet. Gradually, the knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, ankles, cervical spine, and mandibular joints are affected. Symptoms become visible in an acute onset, bilaterally and symmetrically. Another characteristic includes joint stiffness which is predominantly observable in the early morning, lasting for more than 30 minutes to almost an hour. In the earliest days, even prior the changes of the bony composition, limited function can occur since there is an active inflammation of the joints. Patients complain of hot, swollen and painful joint which very complicated to move. As compensation, the patient tends to immobilize the bone to get rid of painful sensation. Immobilization for longer periods leads to formation of contractures and soft tissue malformation which is observable in the regions of hands and toes.

There are many aspects which contribute in the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis: rheumatoid nodules, joint inflammation observed in palpation and diagnostic studies such as ESR and other laboratory studies. The patient is also assessed for changes in the articular areas that might be the reason for decreasing weight, changes in sensory perception, enlargement of the lymph nodes, and easy fatigability. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is heightened and C-reactive protein and antinuclear antibody may illustrate a helpful result. Radiation studies are supportive in diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis; it aids in monitoring on the improvement of the disease, and visualizes the characteristic of wearing down of joints as well as narrowed joint spaces occurring in the later stages of the disease.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis frequently experiences decreased appetite, weight loss and anemia. Upon taking the diet history, health care provider should take note of the usual eating behaviors as well as list of food preferences to coordinate with the patient regarding his diet regimen. This should include all the daily requirements from basic food groups, with emphasis on food groups which contains high in vitamins and minerals, proteins, and iron for soft tissue building and repair. In cases of extremely malnourished patient, small but frequent feeding with foods high in protein content should be observed. While for patients receiving medications such as steroids, calories restricted diet is a must since this medication stimulate the appetite which man lead to obesity.

Author Bio: Brent McNutt enjoys writing for Uniformhaven.com which sells baby phat scrubs and landau 8219 as well as a host of additional products.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: arthritis,rheumatoid arthritis