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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Posted on: 05/01/2011
Did you know?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease (an illness that develops when your body’s tissues are mistakenly attacked by your own immune system) causing painful, chronic inflammation of the joints. RA is three times more common in women than men, and while there’s no cure, treatment options have improved.
What are the symptoms?
When RA begins, symptoms may include:
Joint pain and stiffness that is:
- Symmetrical
- Most prominent in the morning
- Lasts for at least half an hour
- Red, warm, or swollen joints
- Joint deformity
- Mild fever, tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Small lumps or nodules under the skin
As RA progresses, it may cause complications with the:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Eyes
- Skin
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Blood
- Nervous system
- Blood vessels
What are the causes?
RA is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response. Possible causes include:
- Genetic factors – Certain genes that play a role in the immune system are associated with RA development.
- Defects in the immune system can cause ongoing inflammation.
- Environmental factors – Certain infectious agents, such as some viruses or bacteria, may increase susceptibility to RA.
- Other factors – Some evidence suggests that hormonal factors may promote RA development in combination with genetic factors and environmental exposure.
What can you do?
While there is no cure for RA, there are many treatment options available to help manage symptoms. The goal of these treatment options is to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, slow down joint damage and improve functional ability.
If you find yourself showing signs of some of the early symptoms of RA, schedule an appointment with a Minor & James rheumatologist. We can treat everything from shoulder bursitis, nagging back pain and osteoporosis, to complex multi-system diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and sarcoidosis. In addition, our physicians know how to help patients and their families with the ongoing needs associated with chronic inflammation.
To schedule an appointment, call 206-386-9502.
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