The immune system is our body’s defense against all kinds of germs and diseases, but with some types of arthritis, the very immune system that it is supposed to protect can also play a role in the development of the disease.
With an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, the white blood cells in our body release chemicals to prevent what can happen to us It is an imminent disease, but unfortunately it can happen when there is no real danger, making people sick.
Arthritis, pain and inflammation.
Arthritis pain and the immune system are related in two ways. The inflammation and pain of arthritis can trigger an autoimmune response from the body that is meant to help heal the damage, but can temporarily worsen symptoms. Instead, our immune system can trigger autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis for an unknown reason, causing permanent damage to the good cells in our body.
Arthritic joint inflammation is characterized by:
- Joint swelling;
- redness;
- Heat;
- Rigidity;
- Pain;
- Fever.
So why does a little irritation in a joint, perhaps from overuse or deterioration, lead to all these symptoms? Because of the way the body responds to this injury. When a part of your body is injured, such as the tissues and fibers of a joint, the immune system sends its army (white blood cells that release chemicals) directly to that point to try to heal.
However, the buildup of these chemicals in the joints, nerves, blood, and tissues and the resulting increased blood flow to the area can cause inflammation, pain, and irritation; every part of the body is trying to make you feel better, not worse.
Once the body has fought off the invader and the damaged area has healed, the symptoms of inflammation should go away, until the next time a joint is damaged.
Arthritis, pain and autoimmune disease
Sometimes the body develops the defense army when it is not needed: in an autoimmune disease, healthy tissues and cells can be seen as foreign and dangerous, and the immune system begins to attack these parts of the body. Autoimmune diseases are as widespread as type 1 diabetes, thyroid conditions, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Most autoimmune diseases affect the body as a whole, including the joints and connective tissues. Unfortunately, autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are still not fully understood. But experts know that once the body’s joints are attacked, they continue to suffer from the pain and inflammation of arthritis while the body tries to heal what has been injured.
types of arthritis
Types of arthritis associated with the immune system include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Not much is known about how or why this autoimmune disease attacks. The body’s immune system attacks itself, resulting in a lifelong condition that can start with asymptomatic periods and get progressively worse over time.
- reactive arthritis. This is a disease that occurs as a result of another infection. Although the exact cause is not fully understood, inflammation results from an overreaction of the immune system to infection. Inflammation begins when the rest of the body heals.
- Psoriasic arthritis. This form of arthritis occurs along with psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by inflammation, redness and spots. Why does psoriatic arthritis occur? It is considered to be the result of an abnormality of the immune system.
The immune system is a powerful force, whether it improperly heals or harms the body. Research is underway to unravel the mystery of autoimmune diseases and redirect faulty immune systems.