Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that significantly impacts various body systems beyond just the joints. It can affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. This condition is not a normal part of aging, although it’s most prevalent among individuals aged 40 to 60. A family history of rheumatoid arthritis can increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Symptoms and causes of rheumatoid arthritis vary. The main symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by an immune response where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its healthy cells. The exact causes of RA are still unknown, but there are known risk factors that can elevate the risk of developing the disease.
RA causes joint inflammation and pain. It occurs when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the synovium, the lining of the joints. Commonly affected areas are the hands, knees, or ankles, and it usually impacts the same joint on both sides of the body, such as both hands or both knees.
The causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can include genetics, infectious agents, trauma, smoking, and other risk factors. For more detailed information, you can visit Mayo Clinic, WebMD, Mayo Clinic on Arthritis, CDC on Rheumatoid Arthritis, Arthritis Foundation, and Healthline.
