Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that not only affects your joints but can also impact a variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. As an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly targets your own body’s tissues.
This condition is characterized by inflammation in and around the joints and often affects multiple joints simultaneously, commonly involving the hands, wrists, and other areas. RA’s nature as an autoimmune and inflammatory disease means your immune system erroneously attacks healthy cells, leading to painful swelling.
Rheumatoid arthritis differs significantly from osteoarthritis, which is more commonly associated with aging. RA can affect more than just the joints, potentially impacting other parts of the body like the eyes, mouth, and lungs. It is a systemic autoimmune disease, meaning its effects are widespread, often symmetrically involving joints on both sides of the body.
The development of rheumatoid arthritis is complex, involving the interaction between genetic factors and environmental elements, such as tobacco use. It typically begins in small peripheral joints and is characterized by inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement.
Mayo Clinic offers detailed insights into the symptoms and causes of rheumatoid arthritis. The CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a comprehensive overview of RA, including its impact on health. Johns Hopkins Medicine explains the condition in depth, and WebMD delves into its association with other autoimmune diseases. For additional information on causes, symptoms, and treatment, Cleveland Clinic offers a valuable resource. StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf and Healthline provide further insights into RA. Finally, MedlinePlus offers additional information about rheumatoid arthritis.
