Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly impacts various body systems, extending beyond the joints to potentially affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This autoimmune disorder arises when the immune system erroneously targets the body’s own tissues.
RA typically begins in the small joints of the hands and feet and can progress to larger joints, such as the wrists, ankles, knees, shoulders, and elbows. The disease often causes symmetrical inflammation, affecting the same joints on both sides of the body. Symptoms may appear abruptly or develop gradually, varying from person to person. Common symptoms include pain, morning stiffness, and joint swelling.
RA is a progressive disease predominantly impacting the joints. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) estimates that over 1.3 million people in the United States are affected by RA. In a joint impacted by RA, the lining becomes inflamed, leading to tissue damage. This can result in chronic pain, unsteadiness, and joint deformity.
Apart from joints, RA can also lead to complications in other body parts, including the eyes, heart, circulatory system, and lungs. Other types of arthritis can be caused by uric acid crystals, infections, or underlying diseases such as psoriasis or lupus.
Mayo Clinic provides comprehensive insights into the symptoms and causes of RA. For a complete list of joints affected by RA, visit Healthline. Further information about RA can be found at Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For an overview of the effects of RA on the body, refer to Healthline, and for general information on arthritis, see Mayo Clinic. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of RA at Arthritis Foundation.
Rheumatoid arthritis is more than just a joint condition; it’s a complex autoimmune disease with wide-ranging effects. Understanding its symptoms and causes is crucial for effective management and treatment.
