Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that goes beyond affecting just the joints. In some individuals, it can impact a variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. It is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the immune system mistakenly launches an attack against the body’s own tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis primarily targets the joints, often impacting several of them at once, particularly in the hands, wrists, and knees. This results in inflammation, characterized by painful swelling in the affected areas. Over time, this inflammation can lead to severe damage, affecting the appearance and functionality of the joints and other parts of the body. For example, in the hands, RA can cause deformities in the finger joints, making movement difficult.
However, RA is just one of many forms of arthritis, and there are various types of autoimmune arthritis. These occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, resulting in inflammation. Examples of other autoimmune arthritis types include psoriatic arthritis and reactive arthritis. Autoinflammatory diseases are another category of conditions, where issues with the innate immune system’s reactions lead to inflammation, causing symptoms like fever, rash, or joint swelling.
Understanding the different forms of inflammatory arthritis, which includes a group of arthritis accompanied by joint pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the joints, is crucial. These conditions can also cause systemic symptoms related to inflammation, affecting other parts of the body including the skin and eyes.
Given the complexity and the various forms of these disorders, it is vital to seek professional medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment. The information provided by reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic, CDC, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and others can offer valuable insights into understanding these conditions.
For more in-depth information, you can visit the respective pages on Mayo Clinic, Verywell Health, NIAMS, CDC, Johns Hopkins Medicine, NCBI Bookshelf, and Medical News Today.
