Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and swelling in the joints. This chronic inflammatory disorder can affect more than just your joints, potentially damaging a variety of body systems including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
The symptoms of RA often result in swelling, particularly in the hands. Early detection and treatment are crucial to managing RA, as it can cause permanent damage to the joints. The condition is defined as a systemic autoimmune pathology, associated with a chronic inflammatory process that can damage both joints and extra-articular organs, such as the heart, kidney, lung, digestive system, eye, skin, and nervous system.
The treatment for RA usually involves medications. Doctors may recommend Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve). The type of medication prescribed depends on the severity of symptoms and the duration of the condition.
Rheumatoid arthritis is often compared to gout, another type of arthritis. While both are painful, their causes differ. Gout is caused by uric acid crystals leading to inflammation, whereas RA is an immune system response that causes joint damage.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
Medical News Today,
Mayo Clinic – Symptoms and Causes,
Mayo Clinic – Diagnosis and Treatment,
Healthline,
PMC,
Cleveland Clinic.
