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What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most debilitating form of arthritis and the most
common type of inflammatory joint disease. It attacks the joints and connective
tissue of your body, causing redness, pain and swelling. Inflammation can also
affect the eyes, lungs, heart and other internal organs.
Researchers think that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a malfunction of the
immune system. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system fails to
recognize normal body tissue and starts to attack it. Over time, this relentless
attack destroys cartilage, bone, tendons and ligaments.
How does rheumatoid arthritis affect my body?
Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins by inflaming the synovial membrane, which is
a thin layer of tissue surrounding each joint. The disease causes the synovial
membrane to grow and thicken. Gradually, the pressure from the thickening tissue
damages the cartilage and bone, causing severe pain, loss of movement and joint
deformity.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects many organs in the body and is often is accompanied
by flu-like symptoms, fatigue, aches and pains and weakness. Symptoms usually
develop slowly but may also flare up suddenly, affecting many joints at once.
The disease usually begins by affecting your wrists, hands, feet and knees. As
it progresses, your shoulders, elbows, hips, jaw and neck can also become
involved. Small lumps may eventually develop under your skin, further deforming
the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect both sides of your body at once
- for example, if your right wrist is inflamed, your left wrist will probably be
inflamed, as well.
Am I at risk?
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men. It
usually strikes people between the ages of 20 and 50, but can also affect young
children and older adults.
As with many types of arthritis, there may be a genetic connection. You may be
more at risk if other members of your family suffer from this condition. Some
researchers think that certain types of infections can trigger rheumatoid
arthritis and that people who smoke for long periods of time may also be at
higher risk.
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