Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause inflammation of the tissue around the joints, as well as in other organs in the body. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body tissues are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system. The immune system is a complex organization of cells and antibodies designed normally to "seek and destroy" invaders of the body, particularly infections.

Who gets rheumatoid arthritis?

Many people believe that rheumatoid arthritis exists only in places with cool, damp climates such as Britain. This is not true. It exists all over the world, although the more severe cases are found more often in Northern Europe.

Signs and symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joints

The arthritis of rheumatoid arthritis is due to synovitis, which is inflammation of the synovial membrane that covers the joint. Joints become red, swollen, tender and warm, and stiffness prevents their use. By definition, RA affects multiple joints (it is a polyarthritis).

Skin

The rheumatoid nodule is the cutaneous (strictly speaking subcutaneous) feature most characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis. The initial pathologic process in nodule formation is unknown but is thought to be related to small-vessel inflammation.

Signs and symptoms of a rheumatoid arthritis flare

Rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms may vary in severity and may even come and go. Periods of increased disease activity — called flare-ups or flares — alternate with periods of relative remission, during which the swelling, pain, difficulty sleeping, and weakness fade or disappear.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Many factors are involved in the abnormal activity of the immune system that characterizes rheumatoid arthritis. These factors include genetics (heredity), hormones (explaining why the disease is more common in women than men), and possibly infection by a bacterium or virus.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Cure?

Rheumatoid arthritis is not necessarily a life sentence. It can go into remission at any time. It is important to remember this and not get depressed if you've had a positive diagnosis. Although there is no medical cure, treatment can be very successful when started early as it's a disease that can be managed well. Some people who have experimented with natural remedies, claim they are now free of the disease.

How rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed

RA can be difficult to diagnose because it may begin gradually with subtle symptoms. Many diseases, especially early on, behave in a manner similar to RA. For this reason, patients suspected of having RA should be evaluated by a rheumatologist, a physician with the necessary skill and experience to reach a precise diagnosis and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

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