Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune disease affecting approximately 1% of the population. It can have an impact on multiple joints in the body. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the immune system to attack the thin, lubricating membrane that normally lines the joints, leading to inflammation and swelling. 

Risk Factors:

Genetics: a family history of this disease increases your chances of developing it at some point in your life.

Infection: some infectious agents may cause inflammation that triggers the start of rheumatoid arthritis.

Trauma: physical trauma such as bone fractures, joint dislocation, or ligament tears can lead to inflammation and then rheumatoid arthritis.

Smoking: smoking can increase the chances of developing this disease

Sex: there are more cases of women having rheumatoid arthritis than men.

Common symptoms:

Early rheumatoid arthritis has a tendency to affect small joints first such as those in the fingers, hands, toes, and feet. When left untreated, the disease can progress to larger joints such as the wrists, knees, hips, and shoulders. It may eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity.

Fatigue: feeling unusually tired is a common early symptom. Feelings of fatigue may come and go on a daily or weekly basis.

Stiffness: Stiffness may come on slowly or suddenly and affect multiple joints over a short period of time. Stiffness may be worse in the mornings and can last for 30 minutes or longer.

Pain: Pain or tenderness may occur while the joint it moving or even at rest.

Swelling: Joints may swell or look bigger than normal.

Numbness: Inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis can put pressure on the nerves and cause numbness.

If you or a loved one are suffering from joint pain or stiffness, click here to schedule your free consultation with one of Rejuvinix’s expert joint doctors.