The onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can occur in people of any age, though it most commonly begins in middle age. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA is an autoimmune disease that, as it progresses, affects not only joints but also potentially other organs in the body. While the exact cause of RA remains unknown, there are many treatments that address the symptoms and can slowing or stop the progress of the disease.
The specific pathology of rheumatoid arthritis has eluded doctors and researchers, though people with RA are thought to have a gene that becomes activated upon exposure to an environmental trigger. For these people, the immune system no longer functions as it should. Instead of protecting the body from harmful outside agents, it starts producing substances that attack their joints. As the disease progresses, the joints are less able to support the surrounding structure of the body as they remain chronically inflamed and eventually erode.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually begin with morning stiffness in small joints, which may also be swollen and warm. You may also notice nodules or lumps, especially on the elbow area, or even weakness, fever, and loss of appetite. RA ususlly affects the same joints on both sides of the body.
