This week on Body Talk, one of our regular contributors, Dr Chris Kelsey, consultant rheumatologist at Spire Hartswood Hospital, was talking about rheumatoid arthritis, known in the trade as RA.
 
RA is a progressive and disabling disease which affects 8 in every 1,000 adults in the UK. It is an incredibly painful condition which may affect any joint, but most commonly attacks the hands, wrists and feet. It can have a devastating effect on daily life.
 
Dr Kelsey talked about symptoms and diagnosis and the latest treatments that are available to improve the quality of life and long-term outlook for sufferers.
 
Some of the questions Dr Kelsey answered included;

We all know arthritis can affect us as we get older, but what exactly is rheumatoid arthritis? 
How is RA different from "wear and tear" arthritis that affects many older people? 
What are the early symptoms and how do they tend to appear? 
Are there specific tests to confirm whether someone has RA? 
Are certain types of people at risk…. is it hereditary? 
How does it affect a person’s daily life? 
What are the treatment options for someone with RA? 
Is there anything new around the corner that will help in the future?
 
Further information for sufferers can be found at the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society website: www.rheumatoid.org.uk

You can listen again to what Dr Chris Kelsey had to say here; www.spirehealthcare.com/Hartswood/Podcast/