Many people are not aware that they might be suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) as symptoms are often regarded as not serious, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

He said early symptoms include pain and stiffness in joints, especially in the morning, and also having difficulties to hold things since it most likely affected the fingers.

It can affect any joint and wrist. Fingers, knees, feet and ankles are the most commonly affected. More women get RA than men, he told reporters after launching the Fly My 1 Dream programme at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa here, today.

The programme was jointly organised by the Health Ministry, Arthritis Foundation Malaysia, Psoriasis Association Malaysia, Malaysian Society of Rheumatology and Abbot Laboratories (M) Sdn Bhd.

Liow also said that the disease often start between 25 and 55 years and until today, the cause of the RA was still unknown but the genes, environment and hormones might contribute to it.

He added that it was important for the disease to be detected at an early stage since early aggressive treatment can delay joint destruction.

The disease usually requires lifelong treatment, including medication, physical therapy, exercise and possibly surgery, he said.

Liow added that currently there were 24 rheumatologists at public hospitals throughout the country, except in Perlis, where such cases are managed by general physicians.

Among hospitals with rheumatologists are Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Serdang (Selangor), Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun (Perak), Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II (Kelantan), Hospital Umum Kuching (Sarawak) and Hospital Queen Elizabeth (Sabah).

Liow also said it was important for patients to receive strong support from family and friends as they might experience some degree of depression, anxiety and feeling of helplessness.

Daily joint pain is an inevitable consequence. In some cases it can interfere with a persons ability to carry out normal activities, limit job opportunities or disrupt the joy of family life, he said.