Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly impacts various body systems beyond just the joints. It is an autoimmune condition wherein the immune system erroneously targets the body’s tissues. This disorder can cause damage to a multitude of systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

Health Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Eyes: RA can lead to dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and vision difficulties.
Mouth: Symptoms may include dryness, gum inflammation, irritation, or infection.
Skin: The presence of rheumatoid nodules, or small lumps under the skin, is common.
Lungs: RA can cause inflammation and scarring, potentially leading to shortness of breath and lung disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis is distinct in that it typically affects joints on both sides of the body, differentiating it from other arthritis types. Common symptoms include pain and inflammation in fingers, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, feet, and toes.

As an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, RA primarily attacks the joints, often affecting many joints simultaneously, particularly in the hands, wrists, and knees. It is a long-term disease causing joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, swelling, deformities, and various complications.

Despite there being no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms and minimizing joint damage. Common symptoms also include general tiredness, trouble sleeping, and exhaustion. Daily activities, such as looking over your shoulder or steering a vehicle, may become increasingly challenging.

For more detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and complications, visit the following resources:

Mayo Clinic
Arthritis Foundation
Cleveland Clinic
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Healthline
NCBI InformedHealth