Africa: Why Poor Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers in South Africa Have It Worse

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In South Africa, studies show that patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis can wait up to a year to be diagnosed and referred for therapy. In this time, their condition degenerates. Inflammation in their joints makes them painful, stiff and swollen. This leads to joint destruction and eventually disability before they have even been treated.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects almost one in every 100 adults worldwide. Although it affects both men and women, women are more likely to suffer from the chronic disease. Symptoms start showing between the ages of 30 and 50.

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