Rheumatoid Arthritis: Fast Facts
Reviewed By:
Vikas Garg, M.D., MSA
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition in which the body's
immune system mistakenly attacks joints.
- People usually begin to develop RA between the ages of 30 and
50.
- About 2.1 million Americans have RA (about 0.5 to 1 percent of
the U.S. adult population), according to the National Institutes of
Health. More than 70 percent of them are women.
- The cause of this autoimmune disease is unknown.
- RA begins when immune system cells attack normal body cells in
the joints. This causes inflammation, pain and damage in the
joints, frequently in the same joint on both sides of the
body.
- The first symptoms of RA are often pain, swelling or stiffness
in a few joints.
- Depending on the individual, these symptoms may stay the same
for many years or progress to include other joints and areas of
your body, such as the heart. Severe cases of RA can cause tendons
and bones in the joints to become deformed and difficult, if not
impossible, to use.
- Many people with RA experience periods of severe inflammation
called flare-ups, followed by remission for long periods of time.
It is also possible, though less likely, that you may experience
one flare-up followed by remission.
- There is no definitive test for RA. However, a physician may
use blood tests, a physical examination and a synovial fluid
analysis to permit a diagnosis.
- Rheumatologists use four separate classes to classify your RA
status, with each based on your ability to function. Class I
indicates that you are completely able to perform usual activities
of daily living. Class II means you are able to perform usual
self-care and work activities but are limited in other activities,
such as sports. Class III: able to perform self-care activities but
limited in work and other activities. Class IV: limited in your
ability to perform usual self-care, work and other
activities.
- There is no known cure for RA. Treatment primarily focuses on
relieving pain and other symptoms, maximizing function and slowing
the progression of the disease.
- Your RA will most likely be treated with basic pain relievers
such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory drugs. Other drugs
modify the disease's progress or work on parts of the immune system
that malfunction to trigger RA.
- The course of RA is different for each patient, and different
drug combinations may provide relief for individuals.
- No drugs can reverse damage inflicted on the joints, but there
are drugs that can stop the progression of the disease. Some
surgical procedures can remove parts of damaged joints or even
replace an entire joint.
- There is a great deal of research being conducted about the
causes of RA and possible ways to cure it.
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