It is a chronic, inflammatory type of arthritis. It is also classified as an autoimmune because certain immune cells malfunction and attack a person’s own body. Rheumatoid arthritis typically begins in middle age, but children and young adults can also develop the disease. RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints and may cause inflammation of other tissues in the body. The immune system consists of the cells and proteins in our bodies that fight infections. An autoimmune disease occurs when our immune system doesn’t recognize part of our body and attacks it as if it were an invader such as a bacteria or virus.
People of all races and ethnic backgrounds can develop RA. Symptoms which are commonly associated with this disorder include: Joint pain, Joint Swelling, Joint Stiffness and warmth around the affected joint. Morning Stiffness which lasts for one or more hours. Symmetrical pattern of affected joints, meaning the same joint on both sides of the body is affected (e.g., both knees). Small joints of the hands & feets are characteristically involved, although any joint can be affected. Rheumatoid Nodules (firm lumps under the skin), found on elbows and hands of about one-fifth of rheumatoid arthritis patients Fatigue and noticeable loss of energy. Flares & remission of disease activity is characteristic of this disease. Most people who develop RA are between the ages of 20 and 60, if you fall outside of this age range it makes the diagnosis less likely. The most common joints to be involved are the fingers, hands, wrists, and feet. Often, people with this disorder may also complain of general fatigue, weakness, low-grade fever without an obvious source of infection, decreased appetite, weight loss, and/or muscle pain. People with RA typically will complain of difficulty performing tasks of daily living such as writing, preparing food, grasping a cup, getting dressed, and turning a doorknob.