Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) –

Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis (we say “RA”) is a chronic autoimmune disease. It makes your joints feel swollen and stiff. This interferes with daily activities.

Causes

What causes RA? Well, we don’t fully understand this disease. We know it happens when your immune system attacks your body’s own cells. It may be linked to your genes. It may be linked to something you are exposed to in your environment.And, your hormones may play a role.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms? RA causes your joints to become warm and tender. They swell, and they feel stiff. This stiffness may be worse in the morning or after you’ve been resting. RA tends to affect the hands and feet first. Your joints may look red and puffy. Lumps or hard nodules may form just under your skin. Your fingers and toes can shift out of their normal alignment. As your RA gets worse, your wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees and hips may be affected. Unlike osteoarthritis, which often affects a single joint on one side of your body, RA tends to affect joints on both sides equally. And it can cause problems in other parts of your body, too.It can affect your eyes, lungs, heart, kidneys and other tissues. Ask your doctor for a full list of symptoms.

Treatment

How do we treat it? There is no cure for RA, but there are ways to manage it. Medications, therapy and lifestyle changes can help. You may also benefit from things like splints and braces. Assistive devices can help you do daily tasks. And, you may benefit from surgery. Your doctor will create a plan that’s right for you.