Rheumatoid Arthritis: an Overview

My name is Susan and, after suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for a number of years, I'm ready to answer all your questions on one of the more common health problems affecting people today. So, let’s get started!

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that presents with a wide range of symptoms from joint pain to chronic fatigue. The condition often leads to permanent damage, but with proper and prompt treatment, damage can be minimized and disabilities avoided.

The immune system is made up of white blood cells that generally attack infections. Two types of white blood cells involved in rheumatoid arthritis are B cells, which are anti-bodies responsible for normal functions of the immune system and T cells, which are vital for fighting infections. Unfortunately, rheumatoid arthritis conditions damage and interrupt the normal processes of white blood cells, B and T cells production and action, as well as cytokines, which are products in the blood that control and communicate with the white blood cells and trigger them to respond to attacks or infection.

Rheumatoid arthritis may affect other body systems and organs, and may affect both adults and children. Joints are locations where any two bones join together.  The most common joints are at ankle, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and hands. However, rheumatoid arthritis may also affect fingers, toes, and the bones in the neck. 

Joint inflammation caused by rheumatoid and other forms of arthritis results in pain and stiffness caused by swelling of synovial fluids, which typically cushion joints. Osteoarthritis is caused by a decrease of cartilage between the bones which causes them to rub together, and rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the swelling or inflammation of the synovial membrane, which surrounds and cushions bone endings.

A Widespread Problem

Rheumatoid arthritis affects over a million people in the United States alone, with nearly equal numbers found in Great Britain, Europe, and some areas of Asia.  While the disease is not gender specific, it occurs in more women than men, and in more adults than children. In most cases, rheumatoid arthritis may strike all races and genetic lines and often presents itself between the ages of 40 and 60.  Some doctors believe that rheumatoid arthritis may be genetic and passed down from one family member to another.

In some cases, environmental factors such as smoking may increase the risks of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Because symptoms come and go, diagnosis is often delayed. However, thanks to unending efforts in research and development of treatments, new drugs have been developed to help reduce and relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Learning about rheumatoid arthritis may lead to prompt recognition of symptoms. Early visits to a physician may lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment plans that help to prevent and relieve the symptoms associated with the disease.