The Arthritis Foundation reports that rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.3 million people in the United States. It is a life-long disease that is characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane of joints. This inflammation then leads to swelling, redness, stiffness and pain in the affected joints. Fever and fatigue are also symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Causes
The Arthritis Foundation says that the exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is currently unknown. It is, however, considered an autoimmune disease. The body's immune system is supposed to protect it from disease-causing organisms. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body instead. In rheumatoid arthritis any part of the body could be attacked, but the synovial membrane is the main target.
The immune system's attack on the synovial membrane makes it inflamed. This inflammation leads to overgrowth of the membrane and destruction of the bone, cartilage, muscles and tendons around it.
Signs and Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis affects people differently. Symptoms of this condition can occur in any joint , but it typically affects the small joints of the hands and feet. In addition, when it strikes a joint on one side of the body, the same joint on the other side is also affected. In this disease, flu-like symptoms may be seen along with pain with prolonged sitting. Stiffness is a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis that occurs especially in the morning. In severe cases of this disease, morning stiffness lasts longer. Stiffness is also seen with prolonged sitting, and nodules--firm lumps-- may appear under the skin as the disease progresses. Loss of appetite, weight loss, anemia and sweaty hands and feet are also possible signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
Complications
Other diseases may be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. "The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Arthritis" by John Clough says that inflammation of the blood vessels, or vasculitis, and inflammation of the eyes, also known as scleritis, may occur in persons with rheumatoid arthritis. Amyloidosis, carpal tunnel syndrome and Sjögren's syndrome are also complications of this disease.
Risk Factors
Rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone, even children. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports that rheumatoid arthritis affects 1 percent of the world's population. The Mayo Clinic explains that women are more at risk of developing this condition than men. Also, people who have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis may be predisposed to it. Smoking cigarettes puts people at risk for rheumatoid arthritis as well.
Treatment
The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center explains that the goal of care in rheumatic arthritis is to improve quality of life, preserve joint function, prevent joint deformities and reduce pain. These goals can be achieved with the use of medications such as corticosteroids, surgery, reduction of joint stress and physical and occupational therapy.
References
- The Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis- Risk factors
- The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- The Arthritis Foundation: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- "The Cleveland Clinic Guide to Arthritis"; John Clough; 2009
- The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
