The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition that causes inflammation and damage in the joints and other parts of the body. It is one of the most common types of arthritis, affecting about 1% of the world’s population. RA can affect people of any age, but it usually starts between the ages of 30 and 60. It is more prevalent in women than in men. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. In RA, the immune system targets the synovium, which is the thin layer of tissue that lines the joints. The synovium produces fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joint. When the synovium becomes inflamed, it produces too much fluid and causes swelling, pain, stiffness, and warmth in the joint. The inflammation can also spread to the cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, and muscles around the joint, leading to erosion and deformity. The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is likely to involve a combination of genetic an