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Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic disease that affects the entire body. RA is caused by an abnormality in the immune system, and, in fact, is one of the most common forms of arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the membrane lining of the joints, which causes pain, stiffness, warmth, redness, and swelling. The inflamed joint lining, called the synovium, releases enzymes that digest bone and cartilage, which, over time, causes the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment. This process can result in joint pain, loss of movement, and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis can be a disease of flares (active) and remissions (little to no activity). Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are likely to experience times when they have few symptoms and other times when they have very severe symptoms causing significant limitations. However, for some sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms are more chronic, or continuous, in nature. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, including joints of the hands, wrists, feet, knees, ankles, shoulders, neck, jaw, and elbows. It may also cause inflammation of internal organs, leading to significant organ damage. It is a disease that often worsens over time, and can lead to severe disability. |
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