Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly impacts various body systems beyond just the joints. This autoimmune condition arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and potential deformity. It can also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the joints, particularly affecting areas like the hands, knees, or ankles. It’s caused by the immune system targeting the joint lining, known as the synovium. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing symptoms effectively. Resources such as the Mayo Clinic, the Arthritis Foundation, and Cleveland Clinic provide valuable information on RA, including diagnosis, treatment, and self-care strategies.
Rheumatoid arthritis is often confused with gout, another type of arthritis. Gout is caused by uric acid crystal accumulation, leading to inflammation in joints like the big toe. In contrast, RA is an autoimmune response causing joint damage.
The main symptoms of RA include joint pain and stiffness, which generally worsen with age. It differs from osteoarthritis, where joint damage is due to the breakdown of cartilage. RA primarily targets the joints but can also affect other body systems.
As an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, RA involves the immune system attacking healthy cells by mistake, causing inflammation in affected body parts, predominantly the joints. It often affects multiple joints simultaneously, commonly the hands, wrists, and knees.
Despite there being no cure, early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent severe joint damage. RA can cause significant deformities in joints, particularly in the fingers, affecting hand movement and function. For more detailed information on symptoms, causes, and treatments, refer to resources like the CDC, Healthline, and Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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