About Rheumatoid Arthritis
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is a disease that causes inflammation, swelling, and
pain in the joints. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA symptoms can last for many years and
are often accompanied by fatigue and a general sense of feeling unwell. RA tends
to affect joints in symmetrical patterns, meaning that if one elbow is affected
the other usually is as well.1
About one million people in the United States have RA. The disease affects people
of all races and ethnicities. Women tend to develop it much more often than men.1
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Research continues, though,
and a number of factors have been singled out, including a person's genes, hormones,
and substances in the environment such as bacteria or a virus. It is very likely
that RA develops through a combination of factors, and researchers are working to
better understand these factors and how they interact.1
Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis can make it difficult to perform many day-to-day activities,
but how substantially RA affects a person's life varies. Those with moderate RA
have periods when their symptoms flare and periods when they go away. For those
with more severe RA, the disease is active most of the time and lasts for many years,
even for life. Fortunately, with medical treatment and regular physical activity,
the pain and stiffness caused by RA can be reduced.1
NEXT:
Disease Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis »