Rheumatoid Arthritis
What is rheumatoid arthritis?Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a relatively common disease of the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, the membranes or tissues (synovial membranes) lining the joints become inflamed (synovitis)
Characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritisRheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are different types of arthritis. Although they share some similar characteristics, each has different symptoms and requires different treatment. Therefore, an accurate diagnosis is important.
Classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritisThese criteria were developed by the American College of Rheumatology in 1988 and are still used to diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Of these seven criteria, four are needed for a diagnosis.
How common is rheumatoid arthritis?The only known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis is a possible inherited factor in some families (genetic predisposition). A genetic factor may affect how the immune system functions, causing inflammation and eventual destruction of the membranes lining the
Other conditions with symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritisUsually, a health professional will diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by evaluating your symptoms, understanding your medical history, and performing certain blood tests to eliminate other causes for your symptoms.
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect other parts of the body besides the joints?Although the primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is joint pain and reduced mobility, the dysfunction of the immune system that causes it to attack the joints is not joint-specific-it can cause the immune cells to attack other tissues as well.
What happens to the joint in rheumatoid arthritis?Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that it is caused by the attack of the bodys immune system against its own tissues. In rheumatoid arthritis, cells of the immune system are found in large numbers within the inner structures of the joint.
What does rheumatoid arthritis do to my body?The word arthritis refers to several diseases that occur inside the joints between bones. The main symptom of all types of arthritis is pain in the joints, especially with movement.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - OverviewWhat is rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a relatively common disease of the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, the membranes or tissues (synovial membranes) lining the joints become inflamed (synovitis).
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Health ToolsHealth tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.Actionsets are designed to help people take an active role in managing a health condition.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Frequently Asked QuestionsLearning about rheumatoid arthritis:What is rheumatoid arthritis?What causes rheumatoid arthritis?What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?What increases my risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis?What happens with rheumatoid arthritis?What else could be
Rheumatoid Arthritis - CauseThe cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood. In some people, a genetic abnormality may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. One or more of these genetic abnormalities may make it more likely that the bodys immune system will atta
Rheumatoid Arthritis - SymptomsJoint pain can be an early symptom of many different diseases. In rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms often develop slowly over a period of weeks or months. Fatigue and stiffness are usually early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Weight loss and low - grade fever
Rheumatoid Arthritis - What HappensThe course of rheumatoid arthritis is difficult to predict because it may progress slowly or quickly. If the disease progresses, joint pain can restrict simple movements, such as your ability to grip, and daily activities, such as climbing stairs.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - What Increases Your RiskThe only known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis is a possible inherited factor in some families (genetic predisposition). A genetic factor may affect how the immune system functions, causing inflammation and eventual destruction of the membranes lining the
Rheumatoid Arthritis - When to Call a DoctorCall your health professional immediately if you have:Sudden, unexplained swelling and pain in any joint or joints.Joint pain associated with a fever or rash.Pain that is so severe that you cannot use the joint.Call your health professional within the next few
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Exams and TestsNo single laboratory test can diagnose rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, rheumatoid arthritis is most reliably diagnosed on the basis of symptoms and by eliminating other diseases that can cause similar symptoms.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Treatment OverviewRheumatoid arthritis is most often treated with medication, exercise, and lifestyle changes. While treatment may help relieve symptoms and control the disease, there is no cure.
Rheumatoid Arthritis - PreventionThere is no known way to prevent rheumatoid arthritis because the exact cause of the disease is not known. It is important for people who fear they may be at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to realize that at this time there are no medications to take or lifestyl
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Living With Rheumatoid ArthritisLiving with rheumatoid arthritis often means making changes to your lifestyle. You can do things at home, such as staying active and taking medications, to help relieve your symptoms and prevent the disease from getting worse.It is common to feel pain, fatigue
Rheumatoid Arthritis - MedicationsMedications are usually needed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. The type of medications used depends on the severity of your disease, how fast it is progressing, and how it affects your daily life.Medications to treat rheumatoid arthritis are used to:Relieve or
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