What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just the joints. In some individuals, this condition can impact a wide range of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. As an autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis arises when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues.

Both RA and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) rank among the most prevalent rheumatic diseases. These are chronic, progressive inflammatory conditions that result in diminished physical fitness and escalated joint degeneration. Although they share similarities, their symptoms and causes differ. RA induces joint inflammation and discomfort. This inflammation occurs when the immune system malfunctions, attacking the lining of the joints known as the synovium. Frequently affected areas include the hands, knees, or ankles, typically symmetrically, such as both hands or both knees.

RA is an autoimmune and inflammatory ailment, implying that the immune system erroneously assaults healthy cells, leading to inflammation in the impacted regions. It predominantly targets the joints, often multiple at once. Common sites of affliction include the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. Being a chronic autoimmune disorder, RA primarily impacts the joints. It usually manifests as warm, swollen, and painful joints. Pain and stiffness tend to intensify after rest. The wrists and hands are most commonly affected, with the same joints usually involved symmetrically.

For further details, you can refer to the following sources:
Mayo Clinic,
StatPearls – NCBI,
Arthritis.org,
CDC,
Cleveland Clinic,
Johns Hopkins Medicine, and
Wikipedia.