How does rheumatiod arthritis affect the body.?

Answer 1

The hands are nearly always affected, as well as knees, feet, toes, wrists, neck, shoulders, elbows, hips etc . usually when a joint is affected on one side, the same joint on the other side will also be under attack.

When you have symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, early and aggressive treatment can help prevent further symptoms as well as stop progression of rheumatoid Arthritis.

Answer 2

Inflammation in the joint starts in the synovium, this is a thin layer of tissue that lines the joint. This leads to cartilage destruction. The result of cartilage damage is joint space narrowing leading to bone and joint damage.

Read more by clicking on the related link (Rheumatoid arthritis) below

Answer 3

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disorder in which the bodies own immune system starts attacking its own tissue.

In RA or rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints It is not known exactly why. Joints on both sides of the body - swell and become painful and tender. The lining of the joints (the synovium) swells and becomes inflamed. Joints become stiff and difficult to move, particularly after awakening from sleep.. The sufferer may feel tired and unwell, particularly towards the end of the day. In some cases lumps appear under the skin near the joints. These are called rheumatoid nodules.

In time muscles around badly affected joints atrophy and start to waste away, the cartilage in the joint and the bone underneath erode, leading to a situation where the joint is filled with fibrous scar tissue, then it freezes completely. Sometimes other organs in the body - the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood or kidneys can also be affected.

About one per cent of the population are affected by this disease. It is most likely to occur in women, aged 25 or older, with the peak age of onset at 35-45 years. It's three times more common in women than men. Children and elderly people can develop it, but it is far less common

There is a genetic predisposition to RA. And people with RA are more likely to have a gene called HLA-DR4, located on chromosome 6. A gene that is also associated with Type 1 Diabetes.

Some people may be diagnosed with RA and go into permanent remission . However in most cases. It gradually gets worse over time. Leaving the joints permanently disfigured from years of scarring and joint damage. It can reach a point where it becomes burnt out and the active inflammation and tenderness leaves the joints

Answer 4

RA can cause the the outer lining of the heart to swell (pericarditis) resulting in heart complications. myocarditis (Inflammation of the heart muscle), can also result . either of these conditions may lead to congestive heart failure.

Inflammation of the blood vessels (Rheumatoid vasculitis) can be a life threatening condition that is caused by RA. It can cause skin ulceration as well as infections, bleeding stomach ulcers, and problems with nerves that lead to numbness or tingling and pain. The effect of Vasculitis may also reach out to the the brain, nerves, and heart, resulting in stroke and heart attack.

Answer 5

Rheumatoid arthritis is an Autoimmune disease that can destroy cartilage in joints which in turn leads to the destruction of adjacent tissue such as ligament and bone. It can cause deformity around joints. and grow what are known as rheumatoid nodules which are sensitive hardish lumps often positioned in positions where you tend to apply pressure's. It can have a bad effect on the lungs brain blood vessels and other organs. It can even cause almost chronic dry eyes. It is a pretty wide ranging and chronic disease. however it is unlikely to kill you.

Answer 6

All of them may be affected by RA. RA is an autoimmune disease. in other words it is an irregularity in the immune system in the blood that has the effect of destroying cartilage and other tissue around joints. Ra can also affect many other parts of the body besides joints that involve connective tissue.

Answer 7

I don't know, nor do the medics. However in my particular case sustained frustration or moments of extreme stress lead to my having RA flare ups. Or at least it seems that way.

Answer 8

rheumatoid arthritis is auto immune disease where the immune system attacks connective tissue like cartilage in the body