Rheumatoid Arthritis in Men in Vacaville

An estimated of 1.5 million people are currently suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Women are more prone to this disease since they are 3 times likely to develop it but men can also suffer from it as well.

There's no clear explanation why women are more vulnerable to rheumatoid arthritis than men. Women even experience the symptoms earlier since they develop the condition sooner than men, or it could be because they're quicker to seek treatment.

The number of men who smoke is greater than women, which puts them at an increased risk for rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking is one of the triggers of this condition so it's no wonder that engaging in this habit can put you at risk.

People who have rheumatoid arthritis can be diagnosed at any time, but it mostly happens between ages 34 and 60. In some families, more than one relative is suffering from the condition. This suggests that genetics can be a factor, though it could also be hormonal. Here is what you need to know about rheumatoid arthritis in Vacaville.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis in Vacaville

There are times that your symptoms get worse when you have rheumatoid arthritis. This is known as flares and there are instances where symptoms start feeling better, which is known as remission.

Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include the following:

• Fever
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Pain or ache in more than one joint
• Stiffness in more than one joint
• Swelling and tenderness in more than one joint
• The same symptoms on both sides of the body (such as in both knees and both hands)

Why you need treatment ASAP

Men with rheumatoid arthritis won't seek treatment right away not unless the disease has already progressed for quite some time now. They would just "tough it out" or they may not even realize that they're already suffering from the condition. Men who are working in heavy labor would just blame their jobs for the joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. They won't think twice that it could already be the symptom of the condition that's creeping up on them.

This mindset is the reason why a lot of men aren't getting treated early. Even though there is no actual cure for rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible to slow its progression so that permanent joint damage and further disabilities can be prevented.

Keep in mind that rheumatoid arthritis doesn't suddenly appear. The development of the symptoms may take some time and once they do, it can resemble other forms of arthritis. Either way, if your symptoms last for more than a week or they seem to be getting worse, that's the time that you need to get yourself consulted by a doctor. Other signs that your condition is starting to get worse include redness, stiffness, pain in other joints, extra swelling in your joints, and increasing limits to what your joints can physically handle.

It may look "manly" to just bear the pain but it could actually cause further difficulties to your condition later on. So, as soon as you start feeling any of the symptoms mentioned above, don't think twice about getting in touch with your doctor immediately.