Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints and is of unknown etiology. The symptoms of RA can significantly impact patients’ daily lives, hindering their ability to perform simple tasks such as walking up stairs, dressing, or opening jars. Joint stiffness is typically worse in the mornings or after periods of inactivity, while flares can exacerbate symptoms like joint pain, tenderness, and swelling.

This condition not only involves inflammation of the joints but can also present systemic symptoms such as fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. With a worldwide prevalence of 1 to 2%, increasing with age, RA requires careful clinical management to prevent joint destruction, cartilage erosion, and subsequent deformities.

Laboratory tests and radiographic findings play a crucial role in the diagnosis and management of RA. Its epidemiology indicates an average annual incidence of about 70 per 100,000 people in the United States, showing the significance of this disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital in managing the disease’s progression and maintaining the quality of life for those affected.

The Mayo Clinic offers extensive information on the symptoms and causes of RA. UpToDate provides a comprehensive review of the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis, and the CDC outlines the basics of the condition. For a detailed understanding, the NCBI Bookshelf and the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center provide valuable resources.