It is not known what triggers the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. Regardless of the exact trigger, the result is an immune system that is geared up to promote inflammation in the joints and occasionally other tissues of the body. Immune cells, called lymphocytes, are activated and chemical messengers (cytokines, such astumor necrosis factor/TNF, interleukin-1/IL-1, and interleukin-6/IL-6) are expressed in the inflamed areas.
Environmental factors also seem to play some role in causing rheumatoid arthritis. For example, scientists have reported thatsmoking tobacco, exposure to silica mineral, and chronic periodontal disease all increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis come and go, depending on the degree of tissue inflammation. When body tissues are inflamed, the disease is active. When tissue inflammation subsides, the disease is inactive (in remission). Remissions can occur spontaneously or with treatment and can last weeks, months, or years. During remissions, symptoms of the disease disappear, and people generally feel well. When the disease becomes active again (relapse), symptoms return. The return of disease activity and symptoms is called a flare. The course of rheumatoid arthritis varies among affected individuals, and periods of flares and remissions are typical.When the disease is active, symptoms can include fatigue, loss of energy,lack of appetite, low-grade fever, muscle and joint aches, and stiffness. Muscle and joint stiffness are usually most notable in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Arthritis is common during disease flares. Also during flares, joints frequently become red, swollen, painful, and tender. This occurs because the lining tissue of the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). The synovium also thickens with inflammation (synovitis).
Rheumatoid arthritis usually inflames multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern (both sides of the body affected). Early symptoms may be subtle. The small joints of both the hands and wrists are often involved. Symptoms in the hands with rheumatoid arthritis include difficulty with simple tasks of daily living, such as turning door knobs and opening jars. The small joints of the feet are also commonly involved, which can lead to painful walking, especially in the morning after arising from bed. Occasionally, only one joint is inflamed. When only one joint is involved, the arthritis can mimic the joint inflammation caused by other forms of arthritis, such as gout or joint infection. Chronic inflammation can cause damage to body tissues, including cartilage and bone. This leads to a loss of cartilage and erosion and weakness of the bones as well as the muscles, resulting in joint deformity, destruction, and loss of function. Rarely, rheumatoid arthritis can even affect the joint that is responsible for the tightening of our vocal cords to change the tone of our voice, the cricoarytenoid joint. When this joint is inflamed, it can cause hoarseness of the voice. Symptoms in children with rheumatoid arthritis include limping, irritability, crying, and poor appetite.
No, Rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not a hereditary condition. While it is not passed down parents, certain genes that make you more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis are.
Rheumatoid arthritis in the toes Forefoot problems such as hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, and bunions often develop as a result of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis results from the inflammation of the synovial membranes.
You may have RA even though you don't have rheumatoid factor. In this case it is referred to as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.
No, Rheumatoid arthritis is not contagious.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not a hereditary condition. While it is not passed down parents, certain genes that make you more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis are.
No, Milwaukee shoulder is not a type of rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis in the toes Forefoot problems such as hammer toes, claw toes, mallet toes, and bunions often develop as a result of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis results from the inflammation of the synovial membranes.
Yes you can, This is called Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis and even baby's can have serious problems with it.
No Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in its own right and is not a reaction to TB.
You may have RA even though you don't have rheumatoid factor. In this case it is referred to as seronegative rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
It seems that there is no cure for Rheumatoid arthritis. But you can use rheumatoid arthritis diet to keep the rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms under control.
Yes You can have Rheumatoid arthritis with no RF at all. In that case it is referred to as seronegative RA,
They don't as far as we know, The cause Of rheumatoid arthritis is still not known.