What Are the Symptoms and Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. An autoimmune condition, RA occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the body, causing an inflammatory response. RA commonly affects the hips, knees, ankles, or feet.

Arthritis is characterized by the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, with the main symptoms being joint pain and stiffness that typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatic diseases affect your joints, tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles. Among them are many types, each having different causes and treatments. Rheumatic diseases include conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica, an inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the shoulders and hips. Symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica often begin suddenly and are worse in the morning. It is more common in individuals over the age of 65.

Understanding the difference between hand RA and other types such as osteoarthritis (OA) can be crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. RA is not only hereditary but can also lead to various complications. A comprehensive approach to managing RA involves understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatments available.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation in affected joints. This inflammation leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected areas. It’s essential to consult health professionals for proper diagnosis and treatment. Visit Healthline or check out resources from Verywell Health for more detailed information.