RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, auto-immune, inflammatory condition that primarily affects the small joints of the hands, and feet. Over time symptoms influence the wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, and shoulders. In most cases, symptoms occur in the same joints on both sides of your body.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane. The result of this attack is a painful swelling that can eventually destroy the cartilage and the bone. Rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint deformation and shifting out of place.
RA can cause inflammation to other organs of the body, such as the membrane around the heart, the whites of the eye, the blood vessels, and the membranes of the lung.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by periods of flares and remissions. It can onset at any age. It usually begins around 40 years and is mostly a women's disease.
While rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, patients may experience long periods without symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing joint damage.