Rheumatoid arthritis
is a chronic inflammatory disorder that extends beyond affecting just your joints. In some individuals, this condition can harm various body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
Autoimmune in nature, rheumatoid arthritis arises when your immune system mistakenly targets your own body’s tissues. Unlike the gradual wear-and-tear seen in osteoarthritis, it specifically impacts the lining of your joints, leading to painful swelling that may eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformities.
The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body. Although advancements in medication have significantly improved treatment options, severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis can still cause physical disabilities. Symptoms may include:
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- Joint stiffness (typically worse in the mornings and after inactivity)
- Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
Early-stage rheumatoid arthritis tends to impact smaller joints first, such as those connecting fingers to hands and toes to feet. As the disease progresses, symptoms may spread to wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. Additionally, about 40% of people with rheumatoid arthritis experience symptoms affecting other areas like the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys, salivary glands, nerve tissue, bone marrow, and blood vessels.
If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort and swelling in your joints, consider making an appointment with your doctor for evaluation and appropriate management. Early diagnosis and proactive treatment play a crucial role in managing this condition effectively.
Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) manifests with various signs and symptoms. These include:
Tender, Warm, Swollen Joints: RA often causes inflammation in the joints, resulting in tenderness, warmth, and swelling. This discomfort can significantly impact daily activities.
Morning Stiffness: Joint stiffness is a common feature of RA, especially in the mornings or after periods of inactivity. This stiffness can affect mobility and flexibility.
Fatigue and Loss of Appetite: RA can lead to fatigue, which may be persistent. Additionally, some individuals experience a reduced appetite.
Progression of RA Symptoms
Early Stages: Initially, RA tends to affect smaller joints, such as those in the fingers and toes. These joints connect the digits to the hands and feet.
Later Stages: As the disease progresses, symptoms often spread to larger joints, including the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders. It’s common for symptoms to occur symmetrically (i.e., affecting the same joints on both sides of the body).
Beyond the Joints
Approximately 40% of people with RA also experience symptoms that extend beyond joint involvement. These affected areas may include:
- Skin
- Eyes
- Lungs
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Salivary glands
- Nerve tissue
- Bone marrow
- Blood vessels
Flares and Remission
RA symptoms can vary in severity and may fluctuate over time. Periods of increased disease activity, known as flares, alternate with periods of relative remission when swelling and pain subside.
Seeking Medical Attention
If you’re experiencing persistent joint discomfort and swelling, it’s essential to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for effectively addressing rheumatoid arthritis and minimizing its impact on your quality of life.
Remember to reach out to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns related to joint pain or other symptoms. They can provide personalized guidance and recommend suitable treatment options.
Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is classified as an autoimmune disease. Ordinarily, your immune system functions to safeguard your body against infections and diseases. However, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system mistakenly targets healthy tissue within your joints. Additionally, RA can lead to medical complications affecting the heart, lungs, nerves, eyes, and skin.
The precise trigger for this immune response remains unclear, although a genetic component is likely involved. While your genes themselves do not directly cause rheumatoid arthritis, they can increase your susceptibility to react to environmental factors, such as exposure to specific viruses and bacteria, which may initiate the disease process.
Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Several factors may elevate your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis:
Sex: Women are more prone to developing RA than men.
Age: Although rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age, it most frequently onsets during middle age.
Family History: If a close family member has rheumatoid arthritis, your risk of the disease may be higher.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, especially if you have a genetic predisposition. Furthermore, smoking appears to correlate with more severe disease manifestations.
Excess Weight: Being overweight may slightly elevate the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Remember that early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for effectively addressing rheumatoid arthritis and minimizing its impact on your health and well-being.
Complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to various complications, affecting different parts of the body. Here are some potential complications associated with RA:
Osteoporosis: RA itself and certain medications used for its treatment can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis weakens bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.
Rheumatoid Nodules: Firm bumps of tissue, known as rheumatoid nodules, often form around pressure points (such as the elbows). However, these nodules can develop anywhere in the body, including the heart and lungs.
Dry Eyes and Mouth: Individuals with RA are at a higher risk of developing Sjogren’s syndrome, a condition that reduces moisture in the eyes and mouth.
Infections: Both RA itself and certain RA medications can weaken the immune system, leading to an increased susceptibility to infections. Vaccinations are essential to prevent diseases like influenza, pneumonia, shingles, and COVID-19.
Abnormal Body Composition: People with RA may have a higher proportion of fat relative to lean mass, even if their body mass index (BMI) is within the normal range.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Inflammation from RA can compress the nerve serving most of the hand and fingers, leading to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Heart Problems: RA is associated with an elevated risk of hardened and blocked arteries, as well as inflammation of the sac around the heart.
Lung Disease: Individuals with RA face an increased risk of lung tissue inflammation and scarring, which can result in progressive shortness of breath.
Lymphoma: RA raises the risk of developing lymphoma, a group of blood cancers affecting the lymphatic system.
Remember that early diagnosis, appropriate management, and regular follow-up with a healthcare provider are crucial for minimizing the impact of RA-related complications.
