Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Management

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage over time.
Related products/activities
Application
Autoimmune Diseases | Joint Health | Chronic Inflammation | Autoimmune Disorder | Joint Inflammation
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Rheumatoid Arthritis FAQ

What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation around the body and commonly presents with pain in the joints. Untreated, RA can cause severe damage to the joints and their surrounding tissue. It can lead to heart, lung or nervous system problems.

Is rheumatoid arthritis autoimmune?

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Which joints are most affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

While rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple body systems, the joints of hands, wrists, feet, ankles, knees, shoulders and elbows are most often affected (3). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation around the body and commonly presents with pain in the joints.

Where does rheumatoid arthritis occur?

Rheumatoid arthritis can happen in any joint; however, it is more common in the wrist, hands, and feet. The symptoms usually happen on both sides of the body. For example, if you have RA in the right hand, you likely also have it in the left hand. In some people, RA starts slowly, affecting just a few joints.

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also experience problems in other parts of the body, or more general symptoms such as tiredness and weight loss. Find out more about the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

How does rheumatoid arthritis affect the body?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues.

How common is rheumatoid arthritis?

Around three-quarters of people with rheumatoid arthritis are of working age when they are first diagnosed. Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common among women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis develops because of a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as smoking and diet.

Rheumatoid Arthritis References

If you want to know more about Rheumatoid Arthritis, consider exploring links below:

Explore Related Topics

What's New in the World of Immunotherapy for Treating Childhood Asthma?

Discuss the latest advancements in immunotherapy for childhood asthma, focusing on its effectiveness and patient experiences.