Understanding Different Types of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells in the body, leading to inflammation, especially in the joints. This condition primarily affects joints in hands, wrists, and knees, with symptoms such as joint stiffness, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. RA commonly presents in smaller joints initially, like those in fingers and toes, and can progress to larger joints over time.

There are several types of RA, with the main ones being seropositive and seronegative RA. Seropositive RA is identified through blood tests that find substances like anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCPs) or rheumatoid factor (RF). On the other hand, seronegative RA lacks these markers but still presents with similar symptoms.

Another notable type is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, which affects patients under the age of 17. It’s the most common arthritis type in this age group, causing persistent symptoms like swelling, stiffness, and joint pain.

Osteoarthritis, often referred to as “wear and tear” arthritis, is the most prevalent form of arthritis. It usually occurs in hands, hips, and knees and is characterized by the gradual wearing down of joint cartilage.

Diagnosing RA can be challenging in its early stages, as the initial signs and symptoms often resemble those of other diseases. There is no single test to confirm RA; diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies.

For more detailed information, visit the following resources:

Rheumatoid Arthritis Types
CDC – Rheumatoid Arthritis Basics
Mayo Clinic – Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms and Causes
Verywell Health – Types of RA
Arthritis Foundation – Rheumatoid Arthritis
CDC – Arthritis Types
WebMD – RA Types
Mayo Clinic – Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis and Treatment