Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Impact

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints but can also impact other organs, including the eyes. This condition can be painful and debilitating if left untreated. However, there are effective treatments available to help control the symptoms of RA.

The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it most commonly affects the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, redness, warmth, and swelling. As RA progresses, it can cause inflammation in the joints of the arms, legs, hips, and upper part of the spine. Joint-related symptoms typically include stiffness, pain, and swelling.

RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation in affected body parts. It often affects multiple joints simultaneously, particularly in the hands, wrists, and knees.

In addition to joint issues, RA can cause dry eyes, dry mouth, rheumatoid nodules under the skin, joint deformity, and loss of joint function. The symptoms of RA can vary significantly from person to person and often come and go.

Rheumatoid arthritis is more than just a joint disorder; it can damage a variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. Arthritis refers to inflammation of a joint, which can affect the joint lining, bones, cartilage, or supporting tissues. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the condition can affect one or many joints throughout the body.

To learn more about Rheumatoid Arthritis and its treatment, visit Arthritis Foundation, UpToDate, CDC, Elsevier, or Mayo Clinic for comprehensive information.