Rheumatoid Arthritis Info

Basically, TNF-alpha acts like a messenger that summons the immune cells of inflammation to participate in the inflammation. By blocking the action of TNF-alpha, Remicade reduces the inflammation and its accompanying signs and symptoms. Remicade does not cure rheumatoid arthritis. However, studies have demonstrated that Remicade can inhibit the progress of joint destruction from rheumatoid arthritis. Remicade can either be used alone or is often combined with methotrexate for treating rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have not adequately responded to methotrexate alone. In these patients, the drug is used to prevent joint damage that is caused by the rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic joint disease that damages the joints of the body. The damage is caused by inflammation of the joint lining tissue. Inflammation is normally a response by the body's immune system to "assaults" such as infections, wounds, and foreign objects. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is misdirected to attack the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as RA. The inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as many other symptoms. The inflammation often affects other organs and systems of the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Info

Rheumatoid arthritis in adults is characterized by three distinct stages. In cases in which JRA is suspected, an official diagnosis should be made by a pediatric rheumatologist. Other symptoms include joint stiffness following rest or decreased activity level , and weakness in muscles and other soft tissues around the involved joints. The most common features of JRA are: joint inflammation, joint contracture , joint damage and/or alteration or change in growth. Arthritis is best described by the four major changes in the joints that may develop. JRA can produce serious complications in more severe cases. Indeed, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of arthritis in children. The time of onset most typically strikes between the ages of 25 and 50, but in rare circumstances the disease has also been known to occur in children and senior citizens. It has been found that approximately half of all people with RA will experience a remission within 2 years of the initial onset of symptoms.