Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses where the body attacks its own immune system. The autoimmune system is made up of cells that destroy invaders such as infections. Patients with autoimmune diseases have antibodies in their blood that attack their body tissues that are usually the sight of inflammation; this can occur in organs as well, not just the joints. RA can affect the eyes, skin, heart, and lungs. Arthritis means joint inflammation whereas rheumatoid arthritis causes redness, swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joint. Inflammation in the joints causes swelling, pain, and tenderness to the touch and during movement. It is possible to have a warm feeling at the sight of the inflammation and restricted movement. RA can also cause inflammation in tendons, ligaments, and muscles around the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is common in the United States affecting more than one million people and it affects all races equally, though women are three times more likely than men to suffer from this disease. It can affect someone at any age, but typically occurs after the age of 40 and before 60. Nobody knows the cause of RA, but scientists suggest it is genetically inherited. Some environmental factors increase your chances of getting RA such as smoking tobacco.

When diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis, there isn’t any one test that will give a definitive answer. Since there isn’t any specific test that will diagnose RA your doctor may order a few blood tests or X-rays. A couple possible blood tests include the Complete Blood Count (CBC) and the Erythrocyte Sedimentary Rate (ESR or sed rate). The CBC measures your three types of blood cells: white blood cells which fight infection, red blood cells that carry oxygen, and the platelets that help blood clot. A low red blood cell count is common among people with RA; this is also a sign of anemia which leads to feeling fatigued. Your platelet count would be elevated if you have inflammation in your body. The ESR test measures the rate at which your blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube. If you have a high sedimentary rate, it means you have inflammation in your body, the higher the rate the worse the RA. If your sedimentary rate is high your doctor would have it checked regularly. If these tests come back with thin normal range and you are still having symptoms your doctor could order X-rays.

There isn’t a cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but it can be treated according to each person. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and pain, maximize joint function, and prevent joint destruction. It is best to start treatment right after being diagnosed. Aggressive management can prevent work disability, stop damage to joints, and improve mobility. Aggressive management consists of medications, rest, joint-strengthening exercises, joint protection, and patient education. Treatment depends on the age of the person, health, which joints are involved, and how progressed the disease is.