Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune form of arthritis. A number of diseases mimic the symptoms of RA. These include bacterial joint infections, inflammatory diseases, other autoimmune diseases, and other forms of arthritis. Among these are Sjögren’s Syndrome, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Viral Arthritis.
Furthermore, people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) — including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease — may develop peripheral arthritis. This can affect the knuckles and might be mistaken for RA. IBD-related arthritis can also manifest symptoms in the elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles. Some conditions, such as kidney disease, can cause the buildup of uric acid, leading to symptoms similar to RA. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus, which affect multiple body systems, can also manifest symptoms reminiscent of RA.
It is crucial to understand that RA is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases like RA and psoriatic arthritis can be challenging to diagnose since many of them affect the joints. If the body’s immune system malfunctions, it may lead to diseases like lupus, multiple sclerosis, RA, psoriasis, and many others. Symptoms can range from pain, fatigue, dizziness, and rashes to more severe conditions like depression.
Another noteworthy condition is Sjogren’s syndrome. This immune system disorder is characterized by its most common symptoms — dry eyes and a dry mouth. Often, it accompanies other immune system disorders like RA and lupus.
