Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that predominantly impacts joints and is characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness. This condition typically worsens after periods of rest and often affects the same joints symmetrically, such as wrists and hands. Early stages of RA commonly involve smaller joints, like those in the fingers and toes, and may progress to larger joints, including the knees and wrists, over time.
The disease triggers an inflammatory response due to the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells, leading to painful swelling in the affected body parts. It’s not just limited to joints; RA can also affect skin, eyes, lungs, and other parts of the body. Common symptoms include joint stiffness, especially in the mornings or after inactivity, fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. Additionally, conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome, which causes dry eyes and mouth, and the formation of rheumatoid nodules, are associated with RA.
Diagnosis of RA involves a medical history review, physical exams, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. However, early-stage diagnosis can be challenging due to the gradual development of symptoms. Two significant markers in RA are Rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), found in a majority of patients. Yet, these markers can also be present in individuals without RA.
Treatment for RA aims at managing symptoms and preventing joint damage. It typically involves medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery. Over 2 million Americans, predominantly women, suffer from RA, highlighting its prevalence and the importance of understanding and managing this condition.
For more detailed information about Rheumatoid Arthritis, you can refer to these resources:
Mayo Clinic,
CDC,
Arthritis Foundation,
Wikipedia,
Healthline,
RheumatoidArthritis.org,
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases,
WebMD,
Healthline.
