targets the healthy connective tissue surrounding joints in the body.

導致身體四周關節的組織受損

It affects approximately 1% of the population.

這疾病發生的機率大概是佔百分之 1 的人口

Rheumatoid Arthritis most commonly affects individuals aged between 30 to 60, however

類風濕性關節炎普遍發病年齡層落在 30 歲至 60 歲，不過，

onset can occur at any age.

任何年齡層的人也都可能會患上此疾病

Women have more than double the chance of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

女性患類風顯性關節炎比男性多上兩倍

Other risk factors include having a close relative with Rheumatoid Arthritis and smoking.

其他患發此疾病的因素會是遺傳以及抽煙

When the immune system attacks the connective tissue surrounding a joint, this causes inflammation.

免疫系統侵襲關節的四周時，則會引起發炎

Patients experience swollen, stiff, and painful joints, which can feel warm.

病患因此會承受著腫脹、僵硬、以及灼熱

Symptoms are worst in the morning and after periods of inactivity.

症狀在早上醒來或長時間沒有活動下特別嚴重

The most common joints affected are the small joints of the hands, feet and ankles - however

最常見的是影響小關節，像是手、腳、以及腳踝 －但是－

larger joints may also be affected.

大關節也是會受到影響

Symptoms usually occur symmetrically on both sides of the body.

症狀通常會同時影響身體左右對稱的關節

This initial inflammation can lead to long term joint damage and joint deformities, so

一開始的發病會引起關節永久的損壞以及畸形，所以

early management is key.　

早期預防是第一要務

People living with Rheumatoid arthritis experience “Flare Ups” of more severe symptoms which

患有類風濕性關節炎的人們嚴重的發病時間

can last from a few days up to a month.

會持續幾天到一個月以上都有可能

Rheumatoid Arthritis is mostly managed with medications targeting the immune system, which

主要治療類風濕性關節炎的方式是調節免疫系統的藥物，藉此來

aim to decrease the inflammation and damage to the joints.

降低關節的發炎以及損害

Other medications are given for initial symptom relief however these do not combat disease progression.

其他的藥方只能減輕初期類風濕性關節炎的疼痛，但這些藥方並無法根除此疾病的惡化

Intramuscular injections can provide relief from symptoms, especially during flare ups.

肌肉注射可以減緩疼痛，特別是發病的時候

If the condition is allowed to progress, it can lead to permanent joint damage consisting

如果沒有藥物抑制此疾病，則會導致關節永久性的惡化

of cartilage destruction and bone erosion.

像是軟骨的損害以及骨頭的腐損

Depending on the severity of the joint damage a patient may choose to avail of joint replacement

依據關節惡化的嚴重性，病患可能可以選擇關節置換

surgery which serves to ease pain and increase joint mobility.

手術，藉此來減輕疼痛並且增加關節的靈活性

Rheumatoid Arthritis is known to cause fatigue - however,

風濕性關節炎引發倦怠是大家所熟知的－但是，

keeping active is shown to benefit patients.

不可懷疑的是持續運動是對病患有利的

Regular low impact exercise can strengthen muscles and keep connective tissue healthy

規律的伸展運動可以強化肌肉並且鞏固關節的組織

providing better protection against flare ups.

能有效保護關節炎的發生