Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder. It causes your body’s immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissue, causing inflammation, pain and damage to the joints. It can also affect other body systems, including skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. It’s a chronic condition with no cure, but therapies can help control the symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The most common signs and symptoms of RA include:
- Pain and stiffness of the joints, typically in the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, ankles, and knees.
- Swelling and tenderness of the joints.
- Joint warmth and redness.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Weight loss.
- Nodules, which are firm lumps, beneath the skin, commonly found on the arms, legs, and elbows.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
The causes of RA are unknown, but it's believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors. It's more common in women and clustered in families. The body views its own tissues as foreign, and this triggers inflammation. These inflammation chemicals are released into the bloodstream and then attack joints and organs.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Your doctor will diagnose RA based on your medical and family history, a physical exam, and tests including X-rays, ultrasound, and blood tests. Treatment typically includes a combination of medication to reduce pain and inflammation, lifestyle changes, and physical or occupational therapy. More severe cases may require surgery to repair or replace joints.
