Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that significantly impacts various body systems. It is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue in the joints, potentially leading to complications involving the heart, lungs, nerves, eyes, and skin. The exact trigger of this autoimmune response remains unknown, but it involves the production of antibodies that ordinarily combat bacteria and viruses.

RA commonly results in joint inflammation and pain, primarily affecting the synovium lining of the joints. Notably, RA tends to impact the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both hands or both knees. The disease is more prevalent in women, with a higher incidence in those who have never been pregnant. Environmental factors, like exposure to toxic chemicals or infections, can increase the risk of developing RA.

The condition is systemic and chronic, distinguishing it from other types of arthritis by its tendency to affect joints symmetrically. RA is a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, including tobacco use, primarily involving the synovial joints. In joints, RA leads to pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function.

Apart from joint issues, RA can cause rheumatoid vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, although this condition is rare, affecting about one percent of RA patients. Uric acid crystals and infections or underlying diseases like psoriasis or lupus can cause other arthritis types, highlighting the diverse etiology of arthritic conditions.

For more detailed information about rheumatoid arthritis, you can visit the following resources:
Mayo Clinic,
NHS,
Arthritis Foundation,
WebMD,
Cleveland Clinic,
NCBI Bookshelf,
CDC,
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases,
Mayo Clinic on Arthritis,
RheumatoidArthritis.org.