Eventually, it can destroy the joint completely. Various theories of why the immune system attacks the joints have been suggested, such as an infection being a trigger, but none of these theories has been proven. There are several things that may increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, including:.
Although psoriatic arthritis PsA and rheumatoid arthritis RA both begin in the immune system, the two conditions are very different. Learn more…. Learn about the various types of rheumatoid arthritis — including juvenile RA — and conditions that are commonly mistaken for RA, such as fibromyalgia.
Rheumatoid arthritis RA and osteoarthritis OA both affect the joints, but there are important differences between the two. Learn more about…. Arthritis is a common condition that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints.
This article explores the connection between eggs and rheumatoid…. Navigating a chronic condition on your own terms can be challenging, especially when family members think they know best. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Signs and Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Early symptoms Advanced symptoms Additional symptoms Symptoms by body part When to see a doctor Rheumatoid arthritis RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes the chronic inflammation of joints.
Early stage symptoms. Later stage symptoms. Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. People who have RA will have some periods where they experience no symptoms and other times when the symptoms flare up. Currently, there is no cure for RA, but proper treatment and moderate exercise may help reduce flares. If RA is left untreated, the joints, cartilage, and bones in affected areas can become damaged. It is important to tell a doctor or medical professional when RA symptoms change or get worse, as it may be a sign of complications developing.
If left untreated, RA can damage the joints, the surrounding cartilage, and the nearby bones, leading to joint deformities. Untreated RA can also lead to firm lumps developing on or near the joints called rheumatoid nodules. These nodules are a visual characteristic that people often associate with the condition. Doctors do not know what triggers the immune system to attack the joints in the bodies of people with RA.
However, there are some factors that researchers know to increase the risk of being affected by the condition:. There are also some factors that researchers have found to decrease the risk of RA. These include:. A person experiencing the early signs and symptoms of RA should go to see a doctor.
A doctor can help to diagnose the condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis reduce the likelihood of experiencing complications from the condition. Read the article in Spanish. Rheumatoid arthritis RA often initially causes symptoms in the toes and feet, and it can lead to deformities. Learn more about how RA affects the…. Actemra, which treats certain types of arthritis and more, can cause side effects such as weight gain.
Learn about the side effects and how to manage…. Rheumatoid arthritis RA is an autoimmune condition that affects joints, including the knees. Learn how RA affects the knees and what potential…. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis JRA typically starts during childhood, and it can present with a rash. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue. This tissue damage can cause long-lasting or chronic pain, unsteadiness lack of balance , and deformity misshapenness.
RA can also affect other tissues throughout the body and cause problems in organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes. With RA, there are times when symptoms get worse, known as flares, and times when symptoms get better, known as remission. The specific causes of RA are unknown, but some factors can increase the risk of developing the disease.
Unlike the risk factors above which may increase risk of developing RA, at least one characteristic may decrease risk of developing RA.
RA is diagnosed by reviewing symptoms, conducting a physical examination, and doing X-rays and lab tests. Diagnosis and effective treatments, particularly treatment to suppress or control inflammation, can help reduce the damaging effects of RA.
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