What does symmetry mean?This refers to the fact that the corresponding joints on each side of the body are affected. The presence of symmetry helps the diagnostician confirm a case of rheumatoid arthritis.
Morning stiffness associated with RA.Morning stiffness is a critical sign. The joints are very difficult to move upon arising in the morning and for at least an hour thereafter. As the day gets longer, the stiffness goes away, although it may not clear entirely. This symptom often helps the physician differentiate RA from other types of arthritis, since in osteoarthritis the patient generally gets stiffer as the day goes on.
How long might the stiffness last?In the worst case, you can be stiff all day. Most patients complain of being stiff in the morning for over an hour. Stiffness degree and duration can vary among patients.
How many joints are usually affected by rheumatoid arthritis?This is a very important question. Generally, when only one joint is swollen or painful, it is not RA. Isolated inflammation is usually the result of infection or a type of arthritis caused by crystal formations like gout, but not RA. There should be at least three or more joint areas involved to make the diagnosis of RA. These three areas should also have swelling (from fluid) and even perhaps be warm to the touch (from inflammation).*23/141/5*

These substances are vital for the health of the skin, immune and nervous systems. The modern diet is often deficient in them. The main sources are fatty fish, seeds: sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, linseed and starflower (borage), and oils from these seeds. Olive oil and Evening Primrose oils are also good sources. Signs of deficiency can be dry skin, inflammation in the digestive or urinary tract (sometimes a cause of microscopic blood in the urine – although this must never be taken as such and must be investigated by a doctor), and tingling in the limbs.To be healthy a combination of Omega fatty acids 3, 6 and 9 are needed. Linseed (flax) taken with starflower should give all three. The linseed can be ground or soaked in water for better absorption (a jelly will form around the seeds). Flax oil is available from most health food stores and all nutritionists.People often worry that taking oils will increase their weight. In fact the reverse of this can be true. Flax oil helps to rid the body of unwanted fluid. Evening Primrose oil can also help with excess weight by balancing hormone levels.A supplement which contains all three oils is Essential Balance, available from New Nutrition and Higher Nature.*27\326\8*