Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic and potentially debilitating inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. It is an autoimmune disease. Such diseases are characterized by the immune system attacking the body's healthy tissues. White blood cells travel to the synovium (the membranes that surround joints) and cause inflammation or synovitis. The ensuing warmth, redness, swelling and pain are typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which usually affects the wrist joints and the finger joints closest to the hand. The continuous inflammation associated with RA gradually destroys collagen, which coats the end of the bones. This narrows the joint space and eventually damages bone. The surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons that support and stabilize the joint also become weak and unable to work normally.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and potentially debilitating inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints.
RA affects approximately 2.1 Americans, mostly women, who are two to three times more likely than men to develop the disorder. The age of onset can vary, but it typically occurs between ages 25 and 50, with the risk increasing as a person ages. The preliminary good news is that some studies suggest the number of new cases is dropping, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Unlike the more common osteoarthritis, which is mainly a disease of the cartilage in joints, RA occurs when the body's immune system attacks and damages the joints and, sometimes, other organs. RA often occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is, too.
The condition is considered an autoimmune disease. Such diseases are characterized by an immune-system attack on the body's healthy tissues. In RA, white blood cells travel to the synovium (the membranes that surround joints) and cause inflammation, or synovitis. The ensuing warmth, redness, swelling and pain are typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which usually affects the wrist joints and the small joints closest to the hand.
The continuous inflammation associated with RA gradually destroys cartilage, which coats the end of the bones. This narrows the joint space and eventually damages bone. The surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons that support and stabilize the joint also become weak and unable to work normally.
Symptoms can include fatigue, occasional fever, morning stiffness, difficulty moving a joint or several joints, pain and inflammation in or around a joint and a general sense of malaise.
Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, but most cases are chronic, meaning they never go away. Some people have mild or moderate disease, with flares (periods of worsening symptoms) and remissions. For others, the disease is active most of the time. The resulting joint damage can be disabling.
The disease can affect more than just the joints, bones and surrounding muscle. About one-quarter of those with RA develop rheumatoid nodules. These are bumps under the skin that often form close to the joints. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis develop anemia. Other effects, which occur less often, include neck pain and dry eyes and mouth. Very rarely, RA results in inflammation of the blood vessels, the lining of the lungs, or the sac enclosing the heart. If you have RA, you may also be at increased risk for infections and gastrointestinal ailments.
Although no one knows the precise causes of rheumatoid arthritis, it seems to develop as a result of an interaction of several factors, including genetics, environment and hormones.
Diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes be difficult. It may require a team effort between you and several types of health care professionals, including a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in arthritis and other diseases of the joints, bones and muscles. Physical therapists, psychologists and social workers can also play a role.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be devastating, but current treatment strategies can help you cope and possibly reduce the impact of the disease. These strategies can include pain relievers and other medications, rest, appropriate exercise, education and support programs.
The psychological element is important: Some studies indicate that if you are well informed about your condition and participate actively in your own treatment plan, you will probably have less pain and make fewer visits to your health care professional than otherwise. You can find treatment support groups in many cities.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and potentially debilitating inflammatory disease that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints.
RA affects approximately 2.1 Americans, mostly women, who are two to three times more likely than men to develop the disorder. The age of onset can vary, but it typically occurs between ages 25 and 50, with the risk increasing as a person ages. The preliminary good news is that some studies suggest the number of new cases is dropping, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Unlike the more common osteoarthritis, which is mainly a disease of the cartilage in joints, RA occurs when the body's immune system attacks and damages the joints and, sometimes, other organs. RA often occurs in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that if one knee or hand is involved, the other one is, too.
The condition is considered an autoimmune disease. Such diseases are characterized by an immune-system attack on the body's healthy tissues. In RA, white blood cells travel to the synovium (the membranes that surround joints) and cause inflammation, or synovitis. The ensuing warmth, redness, swelling and pain are typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which usually affects the wrist joints and the small joints closest to the hand.
The continuous inflammation associated with RA gradually destroys cartilage, which coats the end of the bones. This narrows the joint space and eventually damages bone. The surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons that support and stabilize the joint also become weak and unable to work normally.
Symptoms can include fatigue, occasional fever, morning stiffness, difficulty moving a joint or several joints, pain and inflammation in or around a joint and a general sense of malaise.
Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, but most cases are chronic, meaning they never go away. Some people have mild or moderate disease, with flares (periods of worsening symptoms) and remissions. For others, the disease is active most of the time. The resulting joint damage can be disabling.
The disease can affect more than just the joints, bones and surrounding muscle. About one-quarter of those with RA develop rheumatoid nodules. These are bumps under the skin that often form close to the joints. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis develop anemia. Other effects, which occur less often, include neck pain and dry eyes and mouth. Very rarely, RA results in inflammation of the blood vessels, the lining of the lungs, or the sac enclosing the heart. If you have RA, you may also be at increased risk for infections and gastrointestinal ailments.
Although no one knows the precise causes of rheumatoid arthritis, it seems to develop as a result of an interaction of several factors, including genetics, environment and hormones.
Diagnosing and treating rheumatoid arthritis can sometimes be difficult. It may require a team effort between you and several types of health care professionals, including a rheumatologist, a physician who specializes in arthritis and other diseases of the joints, bones and muscles. Physical therapists, psychologists and social workers can also play a role.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be devastating, but current treatment strategies can help you cope and possibly reduce the impact of the disease. These strategies can include pain relievers and other medications, rest, appropriate exercise, education and support programs.
The psychological element is important: Some studies indicate that if you are well informed about your condition and participate actively in your own treatment plan, you will probably have less pain and make fewer visits to your health care professional than otherwise. You can find treatment support groups in many cities.
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