Image SC8953 (Rheumatoid Arthritis, X-ray)
Colored X-ray of a hand showing Rheumatoid Arthritis. The joints have become inflamed, causing the hand to become deformed.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common arthritic disease after osteoarthritis. Like many other rheumatic diseases, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease (auto means self), so called because a person’s immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks joint tissues for unknown reasons.
Learn More About Rheumatoid Arthritis
White blood cells, the agents of the immune system, travel to the synovium and cause inflammation (synovitis), characterized by warmth, redness, swelling, and pain – typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. During the inflammation process, the normally thin synovium becomes thick and makes the joint swollen, puffy, and sometimes warm to the touch.
As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, the inflamed synovium invades and destroys the cartilage and bone within the joint. The surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support and stabilize the joint become weak and unable to work normally. These effects lead to the pain and joint damage often seen in rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers studying rheumatoid arthritis now believe that it begins to damage bones during the first year or two that a person has the disease, which is one reason why early diagnosis and treatment are so important. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also have symptoms in places other than their joints.
Many people with rheumatoid arthritis develop anemia, or a decrease in the production of red blood cells.It is caused by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues. It typically affects finger, wrist and toe joints.
Treatment for pain, inflammation and restricted movement is with anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy may help to preserve joint movement.
© Zephyr / Science Source