What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This causes inflammation, pain, swelling, and eventually joint damage.
Common Questions
1. How is RA different from osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear on cartilage, often age-related.
RA begins with inflammation of the synovial lining and can affect multiple joints symmetrically (e.g., both hands).
2. Is RA hereditary?
There’s a genetic component, but RA isn’t directly inherited. Most people with RA don’t have first-degree relatives with the condition.
3. What joints are usually affected?
RA typically targets smaller joints first—hands, feet, wrists—but can also affect knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders. More about joints and RA here.
4. What are the early symptoms?
Morning stiffness lasting over an hour
Swollen, tender joints
Fatigue and low-grade fever
Symmetrical joint pain (both sides of the body)
5. Can RA affect other parts of the body?
Yes. RA can also impact the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and kidneys due to systemic inflammation.
6. Is there a cure?
There’s no cure yet, but early diagnosis and treatment can slow progression and reduce joint damage.
7. Do I need lifelong medication?
In most cases, yes. Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) and biologics help control symptoms and prevent joint damage.
8. Can I get pregnant if I have RA?
Yes. Many people with RA have healthy pregnancies. However, some medications need to be stopped before conception, and flares may occur postpartum.
9. What triggers flares?
Flares can happen without a clear cause, but stress, infections, and overexertion may contribute. Tracking patterns can help manage them.
10. Is all arthritis rheumatoid arthritis?
No. Other types include:
Lupus-related arthritis
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