The Arthritis Foundation defines rheumatoid arthritis as a condition where there is inflammation of the synovial membrane--the part of the joints that secretes a lubricant called synovial fluid. The effects of this inflammation are red, swollen joints that are also painful. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports that 1 percent of the world population suffer from this condition regardless of country of origin or race. The causes of this disease are unknown as of 2010, but there are certain theories as to why it happens and risk factors that may cause it.
The Immune System
The function of the immune system is to identify and eliminate any disease-causing agent found in the body. In certain instances, this function goes awry. Instead of attacking foreign objects, the immune system attacks parts of the body. When this happens, an autoimmune disease results.
Possible Causes
"The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Arthritis" by John Clough suggests that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the synovial membranes of the joints.
Infections may lead to various forms of arthritis. Lyme arthritis is a form of arthritis caused by a bite from an infected deer tick. It is characterized by joint inflammation that may last for weeks or an entire lifetime. The "Johns Hopkins White Papers, 2007, Arthritis" by John A. Flynn, M.D. and Timothy Johnson says that researchers believe that rheumatoid arthritis may be caused in this fashion. They believe that when an individual who is genetically susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis is exposed to certain viruses or bacteria, the autoimmune response that leads to joint inflammation is triggered.
Effects
Rheumatoid arthritis typically begins in the small joints of the fingers and wrists. Additionally, when it affects joints on one side of the body, the exact same joint on the other side of the body is affected as well. Some signs of rheumatoid arthritis are stiffness in the morning, tiredness, muscle pain, weakness, flu-like symptoms and fever.
Considerations
Although rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone, certain groups of people have a higher risk of developing the disease. The Arthritis Foundation explains that 70 percent of people with rheumatoid arthritis are women. Also, even though the risk of a woman developing rheumatoid arthritis is 3 to 4 times that of a man, men are more severely affected when they develop the disease.
"Johns Hopkins White Papers, 2007, Arthritis" by John A. Flynn, M.D. and Timothy Johnson suggests that having the HLA-DR4 genetic marker may put a person at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to note that having this genetic marker does not mean the disease will occur.
Expert Insight
"The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Arthritis" by John Clough explains that the pain of arthritis may be less in individuals who are not overweight. Clough suggests that eating moderate amounts of food and taking part in exercises appropriate for rheumatic arthritis patients can help with weight control.
References
- "Johns Hopkins White Papers, 2007, Arthritis"; John A. Flynn, M.D., Timothy Johnson; 2007
- "The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Arthritis"; John Clough; 2009
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
- Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis
