Rhematoid Arthritis

What is Rhematoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic (long-standing) joint disease that damages the joints of the body. The damage is caused by inflammation of the joint lining tissue. Inflammation is normally a response by the body's immune system to "assaults" such as infections, wounds, and foreign objects. In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is misdirected to attack the joints.

 Rheumatoid arthritis is often referred to as RA.

·            The inflammation in the joints causes pain, stiffness, and swelling, as well as many other symptoms.

·            The inflammation often affects other organs and systems of the body.

·            If the inflammation is not slowed or stopped, it can permanently damage the affected joints and other tissues.

Rheumatoid arthritis should not be confused with other forms of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis or arthritis associated with infections. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues it is supposed to protect.

·            The immune system produces specialized cells and chemicals, which are released into the bloodstream and begin to attack body tissues.

·            This abnormal immune response causes an inflamed, thickened synovium, the membrane that lines the joint. Inflammation of the synovium is called synovitis and is the hallmark of an inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.

·            As the synovitis expands inside and outside of the joint, it can damage the bone and cartilage of joint and the surrounding tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.

Rheumatoid arthritis most often affects the smaller joints, such as those of the hands and/or feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and/or ankles. The symptoms often lead to significant discomfort and disability.

·            Many people with rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty carrying out normal activities of daily living, such as standing, walking, dressing, washing, using the toilet, preparing food, and carrying out household chores.

·            The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis interfere with work for many people. As many as half of those with rheumatoid arthritis are no longer able to work 10-20 years after their condition is diagnosed.

·            On average, life expectancy is somewhat shorter for people with rheumatoid arthritis than for general population. This does not mean that everyone with rheumatoid arthritis has a shortened life span. Rheumatoid arthritis itself is not a fatal disease.

 However, it can be associated with manycomplications and treatment-related side effects that can contribute to premature death.