What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the liRead more
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. It is an autoimmune disease, which means that your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well.
RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once. RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. In some people, the condition can also damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. However, it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
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