Rheumatoid Arthritis
Also called: RA
Email this page to a friend Print Facebook Twitter Google+ Subscribe to RSS
On this page
Basics
Summary
Start Here
Latest News
Diagnosis and Tests
Treatments and Therapies
Learn More
Living With
Related Issues
Specifics
Genetics
See, Play and Learn
Videos and Tutorials
Research
Statistics and Research
Clinical Trials
Journal Articles
Resources
Find an Expert
For You
Women
Seniors
Patient Handouts
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers.
More women than men get rheumatoid arthritis. It often starts in middle age and is most common in older people. You might have the disease for only a short time, or symptoms might come and go. The severe form can last a lifetime.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, the common arthritis that often comes with older age. RA can affect body parts besides joints, such as your eyes, mouth and lungs. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the arthritis results from your immune system attacking your body's own tissues.
No one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Genes, environment, and hormones might contribute. Treatments include medicine, lifestyle changes, and surgery. These can slow or stop joint damage and reduce pain and swelling.
https://medlineplus.gov/rheumatoidarthritis.html