Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may include tender, warm, swollen joints, and joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity. Other common symptoms include fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. This autoimmune disorder occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. 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.
The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can also damage other parts of the body. Dryness, pain, inflammation, redness, and sensitivity to light in the eyes, dryness and gum inflammation in the mouth, and small lumps called rheumatoid nodules under the skin over bony areas are some examples. The lungs can also be affected, leading to inflammation, scarring, shortness of breath, and even lung disease.
RA can begin at any age, with the likelihood increasing with age. The onset is highest among adults in their sixties. New cases are typically two-to-three times higher in women than men. Genetics and inherited traits also play a role in the likelihood of developing RA.
Ankles, feet, and toes are among the joints that can be affected. Uncontrolled inflammation damages cartilage, which can deform and erode bones and even lead to joint fusion.
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis involves taking a medical history, performing a physical exam, and ordering laboratory tests and imaging studies such as x-rays or ultrasound. Symptoms include pain and stiffness, especially in the morning, swelling over the joints, decreased movement, and difficulty in performing daily activities.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints. While it shares some symptoms with osteoarthritis, the causes and treatments differ significantly. Understanding this condition is crucial for effective management and treatment.
For more detailed information, visit Mayo Clinic, Arthritis – Symptoms and Causes, Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis, CDC Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Cleveland Clinic, NIAMS, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Healthline.
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