Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include:

Tender, warm, swollen joints
Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite

In addition to joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other parts of the body. Some people may experience:

Dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, sensitivity to light, and trouble seeing properly
Dryness and gum inflammation, irritation, or infection in the mouth
Rheumatoid nodules — small lumps under the skin over bony areas
Lung inflammation and scarring, leading to shortness of breath and lung disease

Other common symptoms include pain and inflammation in the fingers, hands, wrists, knees, ankles, feet, and toes. Uncontrolled inflammation can damage cartilage and eventually erode bone, deforming joints.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of RA is unknown, but certain factors increase the risk of developing the condition:

Age: RA can begin at any age, but it is more likely in adults in their sixties
Sex: RA is more common in women than men
Genetics: Specific genes can increase the likelihood of developing RA

Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis treatments focus on controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage. Common treatment options include medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

For more detailed information about rheumatoid arthritis, visit these resources: