Swollen ankles and damaged finger joints is what I got after having rheumatoid arthritis for more than ten years now. RA (rheumatoid arthritis) is an autoimmune disease in which your own immune cells which is suppose to attacks other foreign bodies attacks its own healthy cells in the joints . The attacked joints usually those of the hands and feet will become inflamed, resulting in swelling, pain and eventually the joint's interior will be damaged. This is a chronic disease and nobody knows what causes it. Luckily with the advancement in the medical field, doctors now use modern drugs to manage it so as to reduce joint inflamation, pain and thus preventing joint destruction and deformity. Early detection and treatment is vital to prevent joint destruction. People always thought elderly people get RA but it is not true. Children and adults of all ages will get it but women are more prone to have it, usually 80%. So my advice to those who or your love ones having RA symptoms like joint aches and stiffness (usually the small joints in the fingers, toes, hands, feet, wrist, elbows and ankles) , seek a rheumatologist at once for early treatment. ( There are only 17 rheumatologists in Malaysia considering five in 1,000 Malaysians are affected with RA)( More doctors should be trained in this field).Once the joints are already damaged it is irreversible.For more info log on to http://www.afm.org.my/.
