Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that predominantly affects joints, including those in the knees. This inflammatory disorder can lead to significant discomfort, swelling, and mobility issues.
Stage 1 of rheumatoid arthritis involves swelling and inflammation in the knee joint’s capsule, causing pain and stiffness. This initial stage is often characterized by an immune system attack on the tissues lining the knee joints.
In Stage 2, the inflammation progresses, leading to damage in the knee’s cartilage, the cushioning material between the bones. This stage marks a more severe impact on joint function and comfort.
RA is not just limited to the knees; it’s a systemic disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues. While it primarily affects joints in the hands and feet, the knees can also be significantly impacted.
Knee pain, swelling, and inflammation typically develop in the later stages of RA, indicating the disease’s progression. The knee, being the largest and strongest joint in the body, can be severely affected by arthritis, leading to substantial pain and mobility issues.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis often involves blood tests to detect markers of inflammation, such as an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) level. Tests for rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies are also common.
Imaging tests are used to assess the extent of damage to the knee joint. RA affects not only the articular cartilage but also the menisci, which are critical for joint function.
For more detailed information, you can visit Verywell Health, Medical News Today, Healthline, WebMD, RheumatoidArthritis.net, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Verywell Health for comprehensive insights on rheumatoid arthritis in the knee.
