Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease characterized by painful swelling and inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body. The disease primarily attacks joints, often including those in the hands, wrists, and knees. RA is known for its systemic nature, meaning it can affect the entire body, not just the joints.

Early signs and symptoms of RA are crucial for diagnosis. These include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling lasting more than six weeks, swelling in three or four different joints or more, morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes, and symmetrical symptoms affecting both sides of the body.

Diagnosing RA involves several steps:

Taking a medical history.
Performing a physical exam.
Ordering laboratory tests.
Conducting imaging studies like x-rays or ultrasounds.

Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in the early stages, because the disease develops over time and may present only a few symptoms initially. RA’s onset may occur at any age, commonly presenting from the sixth decade onwards, with a peak incidence between 70 and 80 years.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing RA effectively, as it is the most common inflammatory arthritis and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The clinical presentation of RA is heterogeneous, and the disease course can vary widely among individuals.

For more detailed information, visit the following sources:

Mayo Clinic for an overview of RA symptoms and causes.
Rheumatoid Arthritis.org for criteria used in RA diagnosis.
NIAMS for diagnosis, treatment, and steps to take.
CDC for basic information on RA.
NCBI Bookshelf for a detailed scientific perspective.
PubMed for information on early diagnosis and treatment.
NCBI PMC for updates on diagnosis and management.