Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Gender Differences

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by tender, warm, swollen joints, with joint stiffness often worsening in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, leading to fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Notably, RA tends to initially affect smaller joints, such as those in the fingers and toes.

A key aspect of RA is its higher prevalence in females compared to males, with female hormones potentially influencing the onset of the disease. Despite this gender difference, the symptoms of RA are largely similar between sexes. However, females might experience some variations in symptoms.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common types of arthritis, each with distinct characteristics. Osteoarthritis involves the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone, typically due to age and wear and tear, whereas RA is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissues.

The onset of RA can occur at any age but is most likely in adults in their sixties. Interestingly, new cases of RA are two to three times higher in women than in men. Genetics also play a role, as specific inherited traits can increase the likelihood of developing RA.

In the early stages of RA, redness or swelling in the joints may not be apparent, but tenderness and pain are common indicators. Symptoms to be aware of include joint pain, tenderness, swelling, or stiffness lasting six weeks or longer, morning stiffness persisting for 30 minutes or more, and multiple joints being affected.

For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources: Mayo Clinic, Medical News Today, Healthline, and CDC.