What is Rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting the joints. In this condition, the joints become painful, swollen, and stiff in the morning. Usually, joints on both the right and left sides are involved, and small joints such as those of the fingers and toes are definitely affected.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from the most common arthritis, osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis affects our joints due to wear and tear or changes that occur in the joints with increasing age. However, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Inflammation in the synovial membrane present in the joints causes them to deteriorate slowly, and this is the symptom that doctors observe during an examination.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than in men. It usually starts between the ages of 30 and 60 years but can also occur in people below 30 or above 60 years of age. Research has not conclusively determined why rheumatoid arthritis occurs, but genetic factors are involved. If anyone in your family has rheumatoid arthritis, your chances of developing it are slightly higher. Certain environmental factors, such as an infection, virus, or bacteria, can trigger these genes, causing rheumatoid arthritis to become active. Smokers have a higher incidence of rheumatoid arthritis than non-smokers, and it tends to be more aggressive. Similarly, overweight people are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.