Rheumatoid Arthritis Week 16th - 21st Sept
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic auto immune disease that causes inflammation, pain and swelling in the joints.
The aim of this month is to raise awareness of RA promote early diagnosis, treatment and support ongoing research into this condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is different to Osteoarthritis in that it can strike at any age over 16. It is an auto-immune disease and means that in addition to joints, it can affect internal organs, such as the heart, lungs and eyes. The theme for the awareness week this year will be focusing on symptoms and raising awareness of these within the public.
Joint Pain is one of the symptoms and is usually a throbbing, aching pain. Stiffness in the joints affected by RA can also occur especially in the morning or after a period of inactivity. Swelling, warmth and redness happens as the lining of the joint affected becomes inflamed causing the joints to swell and become hot and tender to the touch.
Other symptoms can also include tiredness, lack of energy, high temperature, sweating, poor appetite and weight loss.
For more information visit the NHS website.
