RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by possible destruction of
joints, fatigue, inflammation, pain and stiffness which is a chronic autoimmune disease. It is uncertain of what the causes are of this disease but the following factors have been identified as causes which are bacteria, viruses, allergies, and genetics. The early signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affect the smaller joints found in the hands, toes and feet. These signs and symptoms may vary in severity in each individual and are also likely to come and go. The disease is then spread to the shoulders, knees, hips, ankles and elbows as it progresses throughout out the body which can then cause joints to shift out of place and deform. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and it is likely to develop more in women than in men. As stated by Gideon & Martin (2000),
One of the most common bone diseases of all is periodontal disease, in
which the accumulation of bacteria that cause dental plaque results in the
destruction of cellular and structural components of the periodontium. The cellular and molecular processes in periodontal
disease, and therefore possible therapeutic targets, are likely to be similar to those operating in rheumatoid arthritis.
(p.1510)
Most bone diseases are due to increased bone resorption.
joints, fatigue, inflammation, pain and stiffness which is a chronic autoimmune disease. It is uncertain of what the causes are of this disease but the following factors have been identified as causes which are bacteria, viruses, allergies, and genetics. The early signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis affect the smaller joints found in the hands, toes and feet. These signs and symptoms may vary in severity in each individual and are also likely to come and go. The disease is then spread to the shoulders, knees, hips, ankles and elbows as it progresses throughout out the body which can then cause joints to shift out of place and deform. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age and it is likely to develop more in women than in men. As stated by Gideon & Martin (2000),
One of the most common bone diseases of all is periodontal disease, in
which the accumulation of bacteria that cause dental plaque results in the
destruction of cellular and structural components of the periodontium. The cellular and molecular processes in periodontal
disease, and therefore possible therapeutic targets, are likely to be similar to those operating in rheumatoid arthritis.
(p.1510)
Most bone diseases are due to increased bone resorption.