Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease primarily affecting joints. It’s characterized by inflammatory arthritis and can cause extra-articular issues, affecting various body parts such as the heart, kidneys, lungs, digestive system, eyes, skin, and nervous system. RA is known for causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and functional loss in the affected joints.
One of the early signs of rheumatoid arthritis is joint stiffness, often worse in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Initially, RA tends to affect smaller joints, particularly those connecting fingers to hands and toes to feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms often extend to the wrists, knees, and other joints.
RA affects over 2 million Americans, predominantly women, and involves the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells, leading to inflammation in the affected areas. The condition often impacts many joints at once, commonly those in the hands, wrists, and knees.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes a range of medications. WebMD offers a comprehensive chart detailing drugs commonly used for RA, covering usage, dosage information, risk factors, and potential side effects. These treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
In addition to medication, new research suggests that common drugs can also improve symptoms in conditions like hand osteoarthritis. This reflects the ongoing developments in understanding and managing various forms of arthritis.
For more detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, visit the following resources:
Mayo Clinic for an overview of symptoms and causes.
WebMD for a comprehensive RA center with information on symptoms, pain relief, and medication guides.
CDC for general information on rheumatoid arthritis.
NCBI Bookshelf and PMC for in-depth medical and research perspectives.
NIAMS for health topics related to rheumatoid arthritis.
For the latest research on arthritis treatment, read about new findings on ScienceDaily.
