Rheumatoid Arthritis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term inflammatory condition. This autoimmune disorder happens when the body’s defense system attacks its own tissues by mistake.
Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis targets joint linings. This causes painful swelling that may lead to bone damage and joint deformities over time.
The inflammation can affect multiple body systems, including:
- Skin
- Eyes
- Lungs
- Heart
- Blood vessels
Key Features:
- Chronic inflammatory condition
- Autoimmune in nature
- Affects joint linings
- Can cause widespread inflammation
- May lead to physical disabilities in severe cases
While treatment options have improved significantly with new medications, severe cases can still result in physical limitations. Early diagnosis and proper management are essential for better outcomes.
Common Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis often shows itself through several noticeable signs. These may include tender, warm, and swollen joints that feel painful to the touch.
Many people also experience joint stiffness that is typically worse in the mornings or after periods of rest.
The disease usually starts in smaller joints, particularly those in the fingers and toes. As it progresses, the symptoms often spread to larger joints like the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders.
Most patients notice that symptoms appear in matching joints on both sides of the body.
Beyond joint problems, about 40% of people with rheumatoid arthritis experience symptoms affecting other body parts, including:
- Skin
- Eyes
- Lungs
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Salivary glands
- Nerve tissue
- Blood vessels
- Bone marrow
The severity of symptoms can change over time. Many people experience flares—periods when symptoms worsen—followed by times of remission when pain and swelling decrease or disappear.
Fatigue is another common problem for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Many patients feel unusually tired and may also experience fever and loss of appetite, especially during flares.
When to Contact a Doctor
If you notice ongoing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness that:
- Lasts for more than a few days
- Affects the same joints on both sides of your body
- Comes and goes but keeps returning
- Makes your joints feel warm to the touch
- Causes morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
You should make an appointment with your doctor. Early diagnosis is important since starting treatment quickly can help prevent permanent joint damage.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis develops when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joint tissues. While healthy immune responses protect against infections, in this condition, the immune response targets the joints instead.
Scientists haven’t identified the exact trigger for this immune malfunction. Genetics plays an important role in who develops rheumatoid arthritis. People with certain genes face higher risks, though genes alone don’t cause the disease.
Environmental factors also contribute to rheumatoid arthritis development:
- Specific viral or bacterial infections
- Environmental exposures
- Other external triggers
These environmental factors may activate the disease in people who are genetically susceptible. Beyond joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can affect multiple body systems, including:
- Heart
- Lungs
- Nerves
- Eyes
- Skin
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis:
- Gender Differences: Women develop this condition more frequently than men.
- Age Considerations: While it can start at any age, most cases begin during middle adulthood.
- Genetic Links: Having family members with rheumatoid arthritis may raise your risk.
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes raises your risk of developing the disease and can worsen symptoms, especially if you have genetic predispositions.
- Body weight: Carrying excess weight appears to slightly increase the likelihood of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
Understanding these risk factors can help identify those who might benefit from earlier screening or preventive measures.
Health Risks and Complications
Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to several health problems beyond joint damage. These complications affect different parts of the body.
Bone Health Issues
People with rheumatoid arthritis face a higher risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis makes bones weak and more likely to break. Both the disease itself and some medications used to treat it can contribute to bone loss.
Skin and Tissue Changes
Firm bumps called rheumatoid nodules may develop, especially around pressure points like the elbows. These nodules can appear anywhere in the body, including internal organs.
Moisture-Related Problems
Many rheumatoid arthritis patients develop Sjögren’s syndrome. This condition reduces moisture in the eyes and mouth, causing uncomfortable dryness.
Immune System Concerns
The disease and its treatments can weaken the immune system, making infections more common.
Body Composition Changes
People with rheumatoid arthritis often have a higher ratio of fat to muscle, even when their weight appears normal.
Nerve Compression
Wrist inflammation can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects feeling and movement in the hand and fingers.
Heart and Blood Vessel Issues
Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of hardened and blocked arteries. It also raises the risk of inflammation of the heart sac.
Lung Problems
Inflammation and scarring of lung tissue can occur, sometimes causing breathing difficulties that worsen over time.
Cancer Risk
There is a higher chance of developing lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that affects the lymph system.
