Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that affects the joint lining, called the synovium. Since this lining is present in all joints, rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint in the body. The inflammation of the synovium can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, fever and redness. Ultimately the disease can affect the shape of the joint, which results in loss of normal movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis can last a long time and is known to cycle through periods of quiet and "flare-ups." This disease affects approximately 2.1 million people in the United States. It is more common in women than men by 2 to 3 times; typically affects persons younger in age (20 to 50); and can affect the very young. This form is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint swelling and tenderness, with the joints being affected symmetrically. That is, both the right and left hand will have similar symptoms. Also common is pain or stiffness more than one hour after sleeping or a long rest. Stiffness in the finger joints closest to the hand is common with rheumatoid arthritis. Occasionally patients will suffer from excessive fatigue and fever.
Since rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the lining of other organs, as well as the joints, it is not uncommon for patients to have inflammation in the tear glands, salivary glands and the lining of the heart and lungs. Patients with advanced disease can develop small lumps of tissue under the skin called rheumatoid nodules.
Relief From Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that can be very painful at times. Like other types of arthritis, the most common form of treatment is COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors block the production of prostaglandins, a group of potent hormone-like substances that mediate various physiological processes in the human body, including blood pressure and inflammation. Prostaglandins are released during any type of inflammatory process. Since rheumatoid arthritis is a disease with virtually constant inflammation, a considerable amount of prostaglandins are produced.
COX-2 inhibiting drugs can help offset the pain associated with prostaglandin production. In September 2004, one of the most widely used COX-2 inhibitors, Vioxx, was voluntarily pulled off the market by its manufacturer, Merck. Studies indicate an increased rate of heart attacks, blood clots (thrombosis) and strokes in patients taking the drug.
If you or your loved one have been taking Vioxx as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, you should consult your physician immediately. In addition, you should contact a skilled Vioxx personal injury lawyer who can help you determine if compensation might be available. An experienced lawyer can also help you if your loved one has died as a result of Vioxx-related cardiovascular event. In this case, a wrongful death lawsuit might allow you to hold drug manufacturers financially responsible for your suffering. Many personal injury / wrongful death lawyers can also recommend other lawyers to represent you in a variety of situations requiring legal action, such as auto accidents, DWI and divorce.