Joint pains are topping the list of most common reasons for a doctor visit.
Over the past decade or so more and more people are slipping into the category of arthritis, do you know why? We dismiss the occasional joint aches and pains as part of ageing process.
Ignoring the stiff joints can be more harmful than you think.
The reality is it might be the start of rheumatoid arthritis, and doctors might take several months and in some cases years before you are referred to expert treatment.
Early intervention is the key to stop further damage .
Its more effective to get expert help at the onset of various symptoms associated with arthritis.
Once it is addressed properly, intensive and highly individualized treatment options can be pursued.
With the advancement in of highly potent drugs it is totally possible that you can prevent any further damage from the time you have identified the problem.
Doctors who understand the need for early intervention can refer you to an expert which will prevent agony and pain in the long run.
We often settle for the quick fixes like ibuprofen and what do we do when it gets worse, we increase the dosage or if it still gets worse switch to another product .
if you are having a less serious condition you might be able to get away with it but if you have moderate to severe symptoms then you need to see an expert at the onset as experts might be able to control or switch off inflammatory process completely.
Rheumatoid arthritis is reported to affect about one percent of the adults.
Contrary to the misconception that young people won't be affected, latest studies have shown that people from the age of 18 all the way to 100 can be under threat, with the peak onset age between 40 and 50.
On this note it is should also be noted that more women are diagnosed with RA as opposed to men, in fact three times as many as men.
Experts believe that there is a hormonal connection to this but again this yet to be scientifically established.
Any inflammation or swelling is your body's natural reaction to infections.
This will include any viral attack or other toxins.
In the case RA when something goes wrong your body switches on the immune system which leads to inflammation often continuous inflammation.
The symptoms to watch out for are early morning stiffness which normally lasts longer than thirty minutes, any kind of swelling or pain in the joints or the feeling of tiredness and lack of energy.
Of course these are only indicators, depending on the intensity of your condition the severity of the pan will vary.
If you suspect that you have the symptoms you should consult a  doctor who in turn can organize a range of blood tests and if they come out positive refer you to a rheumatologist.