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Rheumatoid Arthritis, Social Security Disability, and Applying for Benefits

For more information on: Social Security Disability and SSI Disability.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints, resulting in inflammation of the lining, or synovium, of the joints. It can also affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, eyes and lungs. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, stiffness, redness, warmth and swelling around the joints, causing the lining to thicken and eventually release enzymes that begin to digest the cartilage and bone. If this happens, there is a loss of alignment, pain and sometimes a loss of movement. Because it is a chronic disease, it progresses as time passes, although early detection and treatment can help those with the disease to live more productive lives. It has been estimated that rheumatoid arthritis affects 2.1 million Americans or 1 percent of the United States population.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It is suspected that fungi, bacteria and viruses are the cause, but there has been no proof to this theory. It could be genetic, have environmental causes or be due to certain infections, but whatever the cause, the immune system attacks the body’s tissues and results in inflammation. Some scientists believe that smoking tobacco could increase the risk, but again there has not been undisputed proof.

The symptoms of the disease come and go, due to the tissues being inflamed. When the tissues are not inflamed, the disease is not active. Symptoms include stiffness, muscle aches, joint aches, fatigue, lack of appetite and a low-grade fever.

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by blood tests and X-rays. There is a specific blood test for the disease called rheumatoid factor, which is most often used. There are also specific doctors, rheumatologists, which specialize in connective tissues and diseases of the joints.

There are many treatments available from physical therapy, occupational therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids, to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS) such as methotrexate and sulfasalazine. If there is a severe amount of inflammation, loss of movement and deformity, there may be a need for surgery. The lungs, kidneys, heart, blood vessels and skin can also develop many separate issues due to rheumatoid arthritis.

Since the disease is chronic, it is estimated that after 5 years about 33 percent of those with rheumatoid arthritis will not be working and after 10 years, nearly half will be disabled due to the disease. It has been estimated that those with disease can expect a lifespan reduction of about 5 to 10 years.