Rheumatoid Arthritis Basics: Overview, Symptoms, and Causes
What is rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that mostly affects joints, such as the wrist, hands, feet, spine, knees, and jaw. In joints, RA causes inflammation that leads to: Pain. Swelling; Stiffness. Loss of function. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder because the immune system ...
Rheumatoid Arthritis | Health Topics | NIAMS
Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic (long-lasting) autoimmune disease that mostly affects joints. RA occurs when the immune system, which normally helps protect the body from infection and disease, attacks its own tissues. The disease causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis continues to improve, which can give many people relief from symptoms, improving their quality of life. Doctors may use the following options to treat RA: Medications. Physical therapy and occupational therapy. Surgery. Routine monitoring and ongoing care. Complementary therapies.
Arthritis Basics: Overview, Symptoms, and Causes
Although joint inflammation is a symptom or sign rather than a specific diagnosis, the term arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. There are many types of arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis, gout, juvenile arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Juvenile Arthritis Treatment & Diagnosis | NIAMS
Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis–rheumatoid factor negative. This is the second most common type, affecting five or more joints in the first 6 months. Tests for rheumatoid factor are negative. The rheumatoid factor blood test checks for autoimmune disease, especially rheumatoid arthritis, which is an adult form of arthritis. Some ...
Ankylosing Spondylitis Causes & Treatment | NIAMS
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine. It may also affect peripheral joints like the knees, ankles, and hips. Normally, the joints and ligaments in the spine help us move and bend.
What is Reactive Arthritis? Symptoms, Causes & Flare Ups | NIAMS
This symptom is more common when reactive arthritis happens after an infection of the genitals or urinary tract. In women, urinary tract inflammation can develop into inflammation of the cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva, or vagina. Increased urinary frequency and burning while urinating are signs of urinary tract inflammation. Eye inflammation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Research & Resources - National Institute of ...
Research Progress Related to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Over the last several decades, research has greatly increased our understanding of the immune system, genetics, and biology. This research is now showing results in several areas important to rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists are thinking about RA in exciting ways that were not possible years ago.
Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases & Conditions | NIAMS
2023年9月6日 · Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. There are several treatment options to control inflammation, but response to therapy varies and some people with RA never reach remission, suggesting there may be different drivers of inflammation.
What Causes Osteoarthritis, Symptoms & More | NIAMS
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, in which the tissues in the joint break down over time. It is the most common type of arthritis and is more common in older people. People with osteoarthritis usually have joint pain and, after rest or inactivity, stiffness for a short period of time. The most commonly affected joints include the: