Autoimmune arthritis is a type of arthritis where the immune system erroneously attacks the body, often leading to joint inflammation and other related symptoms. The most commonly known form of this condition is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA primarily affects the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees and is more prevalent in women than in men, affecting approximately 1.28 to 1.36 million adults in the United States.
In autoimmune arthritis, such as RA, your immune system targets the lining of your joints. This inflammation is not limited to the joints alone and can impact other parts of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is distinctive from osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear-and-tear damage. RA specifically affects the lining of your joints, leading to painful swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity over time.
The concept of autoimmune arthritis encompasses various types, with RA being the most prevalent. RA is a disease where the immune system assaults the joints, starting with the joint lining. Factors like uric acid crystals, which form due to excessive uric acid in the blood, can cause conditions like gout. Other forms of arthritis can arise from infections or underlying diseases, such as psoriasis or lupus.
When diagnosed with RA, it is important to understand that it is an autoimmune disease, sharing characteristics with other autoimmune conditions. For more detailed information on autoimmune arthritis, you can visit Verywell Health, Healthline, Mayo Clinic, Medical News Today, and WebMD for comprehensive insights.
