Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is not one disease but, in fact, scores of musculoskeletal disorders with many different causes, that are not fully understood, that destroy bones, joints, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues. Arthritis affects 50-million Americans, two-thirds of whom are under age 65, including 300,000 children. It is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and can dramatically limit the activity of those who suffer from arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most common causes of arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease that primarily attacks the lining of the joints causing painful swelling that can lead to bone erosion and joint deformity, especially the joints of the feet and hands. It is painful, disabling, often disfiguring to the hands and feet and leads to substantial loss of function and mobility, if not treated.

SYMPTOMS

• Joint pain
• Joint deformity especially in the feet and hands
• Swelling of the joints

CAUSES

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. The cause is unknown, though there is strong belief that there is a genetic component that makes some people more susceptible to factors such as infection with certain viruses and bacteria that may trigger RA.

TREATMENT