Amal Al-Sibai Saudi Gazette A team of doctors specialized in arthritic conditions have developed a user-friendly website www.mafasli.com that covers the A to Z of rheumatoid arthritis. With just a click of the mouse button, patients and their families can find all the support and sound medical advice they need. The website aims to educate the society about this painful and sometimes crippling condition, help those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis seek professional medical advice, and also to offer a social support group on-line, from the comfort of the patient's home and regardless of the time of day or night. Users have access to highly qualified physicians to ask questions, request personal consultations, read articles, learn the latest researching findings related to rheumatoid arthritis, and watch informative and illustrative videos. “A large number of doctors, who are pioneers in treating rheumatoid arthritis, from several Arab countries got together and are active participants in this web-site, so that at any given time, a physician is available to answer questions and offer feedback. “The goal is to aid patients in making important decisions, help them manage their illness, and educate them on the best treatment options for their specific condition whether it is surgery, physical therapy and manipulation, nutrition, or medications,” said Dr. Hatem Al-Ayshi, consultant rheumatologist. Contrary to popular belief, people of any age can be affected by rheumatoid arthritis, even children. However, it commonly occurs between the ages of 40 and 50. Women are three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than men and about one percent of the world's population suffers from it. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in a person's joints. It can affect any joint but is most common in the wrist and fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect body parts besides the joints, such as your eyes, mouth, kidneys, lungs, and the membrane around the heart. It is believed that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the arthritis results from your immune system attacking your body's own tissues. You might have the disease for only a short time, or symptoms might come and go. Some severe cases may last a lifetime. Treatments include medicine, lifestyle changes, and surgery. No one knows the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, but contributing factors are genes, environment, lifestyle habits, hormones, and possibly a deficiency in vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin.
