Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Description

A chronic inflammatory disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, primarily the lining of the joints (synovium). This leads to painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

Common Symptoms

• Tender, warm, swollen joints
• Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
• Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
• Typically affects smaller joints first and is symmetrical (affects both sides of the body)

Common Causes

• The exact cause is unknown. A genetic predisposition combined with an environmental trigger (like a virus) is believed to initiate the autoimmune response.

Treatment Information