Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease—a type of condition in which the immune system, which normally protects the body by fighting infections and diseases, instead targets the body. RA is different from other types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis, a wear-and-tear condition that commonly occurs as people age. In RA, the immune system attacks the tissues that line the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and affecting their ability to work properly. Over time, Rheumatoid arthritis may damage bone and cartilage within the joints, weaken muscles and tendons that support the joints, and lead to joint destruction.
Rheumatoid arthritis often begins in middle age and occurs more frequently in women than in men. It can affect any joint in the body, but it most often affects the wrist and fingers. The disease usually occurs in a symmetrical pattern; for example, if one hand is affected, usually the other will be, too. Some people with RA may have other health problems, such as anemia, dry eyes or mouth, and heart or lung problems. As an autoimmune disease, RA may be accompanied by occasional fevers and an overall feeling of fatigue or weakness. |