Autoimmune arthritis refers to a group of arthritis types where the individual’s immune system mistakenly attacks their body. Among these, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most prevalent. When the immune system, which typically protects the body, starts attacking it, it leads to RA. This autoimmune disorder differs from osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear. RA targets the lining of the joints, leading to painful swelling which can, over time, result in bone erosion and joint deformation.
In broader terms, autoimmune diseases are conditions where the immune system inadvertently damages healthy cells. Examples of such diseases include Crohn’s disease, lupus, and certain thyroid conditions. These conditions can manifest in various symptoms such as fatigue, pain, rashes, and nausea. The exact symptoms largely depend on the specific autoimmune disease.
There are over 80 different autoimmune diseases, each affecting different parts of the body. Notably, women are commonly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. In the context of joint diseases, arthropathy is a term used to describe them, with arthritis being a subtype. Arthropathies can sometimes be linked with blood disorders or infections, like Lyme disease. Typical symptoms of arthropathy include joint swelling, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is both an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. This means the immune system, instead of protecting, attacks healthy cells, causing inflammation in the affected areas. RA generally affects multiple joints simultaneously, especially in hands, wrists, and knees. A diagnosis of RA might also introduce patients to the broader category of autoimmune diseases, drawing parallels with conditions like type 1 diabetes.
For more detailed information, you can refer to these sources:
Verywell Health,
Healthline,
Medical News Today,
Cleveland Clinic,
Mayo Clinic,
Healthline,
Johns Hopkins Medicine,
Johns Hopkins Medicine,
CDC, and
WebMD.
