Rheumatoid arthritis and symptoms cause

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Rheumatoid arthritis is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men. Over time, this inflammation may destroy the joint tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis causes tissues lining the joints to become swollen, stiff, and painful. If you are looking for information on the most common form of arthritis in older adults, see the topic Osteoarthritis. If you are looking for information about how juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects young children, see the topic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. This topic is about rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptom bumps

There is no single test for rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes rheumatoid arthritis can cause bumps called nodules to form over the elbows, knuckles, spine, and lower leg bones. See a picture of the most commonly affected joints. The disease usually affects both sides of the body at the same time. The disease also runs in some families. This means that the body's natural defense system attacks the joints. But rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease.

Rheumatoid arthritis and symptoms treatment

Early treatment also may lower the chances that inflammation will destroy your joints and limit your daily activities. Experts recommend early treatment with medicines that may control rheumatoid arthritis or keep it from getting worse. Treatment includes medicine, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Treatment continues throughout your life. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment may help relieve symptoms and control the disease. He or she will also ask about your symptoms and past health. Your doctor will look at your joints for signs of swelling or tenderness.

Rheumatoid arthritis and symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can occur at any age. It affects approximately 2.1 million people in the United States, and about 70% of patients who have the disease are women. Incidence and Prevalence According to the Arthritis Foundation, RA is the second most common type of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a multisystemic disease, which means that in addition to the joints, it also can affect a number of organs in the body. Enzymes are released that digest cartilage and bone within the joint, causing the joint to become misshapen and misaligned. Rapid cell division and growth occurs in the synovium , causing thickening within the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the lining of the joint , which causes mild-to-severe pain, warmth, redness, and stiffness in and around the joint