Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease that is systemic in nature. Although it mainly affects the patient's synovial joints, other areas of the body can also be involved.

Symptoms

Within the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to pain (arthralgia). Joints may also swell and become tender. It is possible for them to also be affected by stiffness. The time when these symptoms may be noticed the most is upon waking up in the morning, or after having an extended period of time without physical activity.

Should a case of RA affect other parts of the body, the symptoms may vary considerably. For instance, the lungs might be affected, in which case something such as rheumatoid lung disease may show up. This may lead to symptoms like pleuritis and pleural effusions. Atherosclerosis may develop in the artery walls, in which case there is a greater incidence of stroke and heart attack. The person's skin may also be affected. In this case, a rheumatoid nodule is the symptom that is most frequently observed. Vasculitis, as well as other skin issues, may also take place. Other locations in the body can also be impacted by RA.

Causes

The medical reason behind rheumatoid arthritis is not known. It does have an autoimmune aspect which is involved both in its chronic nature and advancement. Whether certain infections could trigger this illness is something that has been considered for some time.

Diagnosis

When looking into a situation involving a possible diagnosis of RA, there are several things that the doctor may take into consideration. X-rays may be used to look at both the feet and hands. Ultrasound and MRI technology are other imaging options that are available. Blood tests may be done. There are also criteria that may be used in diagnosing a case of rheumatoid arthritis. Multiple differential diagnosis candidates exist, and so the doctor may administer tests or use other tools in order to try to determine whether the patient may be experiencing one of those instead.

Treatment

At this time, no method of curing RA is known. Treatment is available and can be used to try to relieve symptoms the patient is experiencing, as well as alter the course of the illness. Different forms of medications are options that are frequently used. Surgery may be useful in some cases. Weight loss and exericse are a couple of other options.