Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease that affects the joints. It can cause joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and tiredness, among other things. RA can be a crippling disease that can have a big effect on a person's quality of life if it is not treated.
Causes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
No one knows for sure what causes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it is thought to be a mix of factors related to genes, the environment, and lifestyle.
Genetics: There is proof that genes have something to do with RA. RA is more likely to happen to people who have a family background of it. RA is more likely to happen if you have certain DNA markers, like HLA-DRB1.
Environmental factors: smoking, chemicals, and infections may further raise RA risk. Smoking may raise RA risk, especially in those with genetic susceptibility.
Lifestyle factors: Diet and exercise may potentially cause RA. Vegetables, fruits, and fatty acids such as omega-3 may lower the risk of RA, but processed meals and fats that are saturated may raise it. Exercise lowers RA risk.
Autoimmune disorder: RA is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system assaults healthy tissue, in this instance the synovium, which is the thin covering that lines the joints. This promotes joint inflammation and degeneration over time, causing RA symptoms.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms can vary widely and resemble symptoms associated with various types of arthritis. RA is characterized by morning joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that improve with movement. Other common RA symptoms:
Fatigue: RA patients often report significant and chronic tiredness.
Joint stiffness: RA produces joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after inactivity.
Joint pain: RA can trigger moderate to severe joint discomfort in one or more joints.
Joint swelling: Joints can grow up because of RA, making them look bigger than usual.
Joint warmth: RA-related inflammation can make the affected joints feel warm to the touch.
Joint redness: RA can make the skin red and swollen over the joints that are hurting.
Loss of joint function: Over time, RA can cause damage to and deformation of the joints, which can lead to a loss of joint function.
Numbness and tingling: If you have RA, your hands and feet may feel numb and tingly. This could be an indicator of nerve damage.
Rheumatoid nodules: Those with RA get small, hard lumps under their skin near the joints that hurt.
Fever: Some people with RA can get a low-grade fever, especially when the disease gets worse.
It's important to keep in mind that RA symptoms can come and go, and their severity can change over time. A few people with RA may also have problems in other parts of their bodies, like their eyes, lungs, or heart.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can cause problems.
Problems caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are long-lasting and get worse over time. It can cause problems with the joints and other parts of the body. Here are some of the most common problems that can come up because of RA:
Joint damage: Over time, RA can hurt the joints, which can lead to deformities, less mobility, and constant pain.
Loss of joint function: As joint damage gets worse, people with RA may lose the ability to use their joints. This can make it hard to do everyday things like getting dressed, grooming, and cooking.
Disability: Disability from severe joint problems and function can affect a person's ability to work but also perform daily tasks.
Osteoporosis: RA can make it more likely that a person will get osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and makes them more likely to break.
Cardiovascular disease: Individuals with RA have a higher chance of getting heart problems, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Lung disease: RA may induce lung inflammation, causing pleurisy, interstitial lung inflammation, and pulmonary fibrosis.
Eye problems: RA can make the eyes swell up, which can lead to problems like scleritis, uveitis, and dehydrated eye syndrome.
Anaemia: Anaemia is a situation in which there aren't enough red blood cells, which can make you tired, weak, and short of breath.
Infections: Individuals with RA may be more likely to get sick, especially if they take medicines that weaken their immune systems.
Depression and anxiety: People with RA can get depressed and anxious because of their pain, inability to work, and the stress of living with long-term sickness.