Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis is generally misconceived in only being diagnosed in the elderly.
However, at present, the condition is being diagnosed in people of all ages.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system fights off infections however, with this condition, it mistakenly attacks the cells that line your joints causing these to become stiff and swollen, resulting in pain, which releases chemicals and damages bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments nearby. It is important to get this condition treated to avoid the joints losing it’s shape and alignment and ultimately destroying the joint in its entirety.
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any part of the body, in particular, hands, wrists and feet. There are a number of symptoms associated with this condition, namely tiredness, weight loss and other aches and pains, in different parts of the body.
You are more likely at risk in developing this condition if you are female, have a family history of this condition or you are a regular smoker.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for this condition but early detection can help with controlling and managing it. Alternative options to help ease the pain are medication, supportive treatments and surgery.
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society was founded in 2001 and has held annual Awareness Week’s, since 2013, when the campaign was launched.
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society works to raise awareness of this condition by helping to share stories and to allow people to become more aware of this condition. Their aim is to “increase public understanding and awareness of rheumatoid arthritis as distinct from other forms of arthritis”.
Rheumatoid Arthritis and Negligence
When Rheumatoid Arthritis is diagnosed early, there is a better chance of controlling this and providing treatment to manage it. Clinical negligence claims can be brought for:
- Misdiagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Failure in diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
If you have experienced the above, you may have a claim in clinical negligence.