Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that occurs in joints on both
sides of the body (such as both hands, both wrists, and both knees). This symmetry helps distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other types of arthritis.
What Are the Symptoms of
Rheumatoid Arthritis? Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are: Joint pain and swelling, Stiffness,
especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods, and Fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects everyone differently. For
some, joint symptoms develop gradually over several years. In others,
rheumatoid arthritis may develop quickly, while other people may have
rheumatoid arthritis for a short time and then have a time with no symptoms,
called remission.
Who Gets Rheumatoid Arthritis?
About 1% of Americans have
rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's
immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is two to
three times more common in women than in men, but men tend to have more severe
symptoms. It usually happens in middle age, but young children and the elderly
also can get rheumatoid arthritis.
What Causes Rheumatoid
Arthritis? The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown.
It is thought to be due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and
hormonal factors. With rheumatoid arthritis, something seems to trigger the
immune system to attack the joints and sometimes other organs. Some theories
suggest that a virus or bacteria may alter the immune system, causing it to
attack the joints. Other theories suggest that smoking may lead to rheumatoid arthritis.
Research hasn't found exactly what role genetics plays in
rheumatoid arthritis. Some people do seem to have a genetic or inherited factor
that increases their chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
