Rheumatoid arthritis

Overview

  • Illustration showing inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis can cause pain, swelling and deformity. As the tissue that lines your joints (synovial membrane) becomes inflamed and thickened, fluid builds up and joints erode and degrade.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition also can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when 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. While new types of medications have improved treatment options dramatically, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still cause physical disabilities.

Symptoms & causes
March 18, 2016
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References
  1. Rheumatoid arthritis. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/rheumatoid_arthritis. Accessed Feb. 16, 2016.
  2. Handout on health: Rheumatoid arthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Rheumatic_Disease/default.asp. Accessed Feb. 16, 2016.
  3. Goldman L, et al., eds. Rheumatoid arthritis. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2016. http://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 29, 2016.
  4. Ferri FF. Rheumatoid arthritis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2016. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed Feb. 29, 2016.
  5. Rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Foundation. http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis. Accessed Feb. 29, 2016.
  6. Living with arthritis. American Occupational Therapy Association. http://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/Adults/Arthritis.aspx. Accessed Feb. 29, 2016.
  7. Rheumatoid arthritis: In depth. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. https://nccih.nih.gov/health/RA/getthefacts.htm. Accessed Feb. 29, 2016.
  8. Matteson EL, et al. Overview of the systemic and nonarticular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 16, 2016.
  9. Gabriel SE, et al. Epidemiology of, risk factors for, and possible causes of rheumatoid arthritis. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 16, 2016.
  10. Schur PH, et al. General principles of management of rheumatoid arthritis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 17, 2016.
  11. Weisman MH, et al. Total joint replacement for severe rheumatoid arthritis. http://wwwuptodate.com/home. Accessed Feb. 29, 2016.
  12. Matteson EL (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 23, 2016.

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Rheumatoid arthritis

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Diagnosis & treatment

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