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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the joints and surrounding tissue that can affect other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's own immune system attacks tissue that lines and cushions joints. People with rheumatoid arthritis experience joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known; genetics, infection, and hormones may play a role in its development.
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects about 1% of adults in the United States and is the second most common type of arthritis. It is two to three times more common among women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis typically starts in people aged 25 to 50 and occurs with increased frequency later in life. Rheumatoid arthritis that occurs in children is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not known, but infection, genetics, or hormonal factors may play a role. It is an autoimmune disease whereby the immune system attacks the tissue that lines and cushions joints, specifically the synovial membrane. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) primarily involves the joints and surrounding tissue but can affect other parts of the body, causing anemia, for example. Rheumatoid arthritis is sometimes (incorrectly) referred to as rheumatism. Rheumatism is a general term used to describe a range of conditions that cause joint pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs in the elbows, wrists, fingers, and ankles. The presentation of rheumatoid arthritis is generally bilateral, meaning that similar joints on both sides of the body are affected. After prolonged periods where joints have been inflamed, eventual destruction of a joint's interior structures can occur. Early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint inflammation, joint pain and stiffness. Extreme fatigue and weakness are also characteristic of this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis may also cause a low-grade fever. Deformities resulting from rheumatoid arthritis result from chronic uncontrolled inflammation, leading to cartilage destruction, bone erosion, and rupture of tendons.
Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis), skin ulcerations, bleeding stomach ulcers, and nerve problems. Heart and eye complications may result as well. Various treatments available for controlling the symptoms and complications of rheumatoid arthritis should be discussed with a physician.
The information provided in the Rheumatoid Arthritis Condition Guide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis or rheumatism and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
Stay up-to-date on this condition Update Your Info to receive a periodic Source Report newsletter on Arthritis.
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. A licensed healthcare professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
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