What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-lasting, systemic inflammatory disease that causes inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness and warmth of the affected joints. RA can also cause inflammation of other organs in the body, such as the kidneys, eyes, heart, and lungs. However, it typically affects small joints in the hands and feet first. Enzymes and immune cells cause cellular damage and inflammation that, over time, lead to destruction of the cartilages and bones near the joints.

What are the symptoms of RA?

• Joint swelling, warmth, stiffness, and pain
• Weakness and loss of appetite
• Morning stiffness that may last longer than 1 hour
• Fever
• Decreased range of motion
• Bone deformity
• Lumps may occur below the skin, especially around the elbows and hands

What are common sites affected by RA?

Finger joints are most commonly affected, but also the wrists, knees, and toes are common sites. Other joints include the elbow, ankles, shoulders, hip, and neck. In RA, more than one joint is affected in a symmetrical fashion.

How is RA diagnosed?

1. X-ray
2. Rheumatoid factor (RF): antibody present in ~75% of patients with RA. However, RF may appear in patients with people who do not have RA.
3. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive proteins are both elevated in RA.
4. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP)
5. Synovial fluid analysis: increased synovial fluid volume and turbidity, decreased viscosity, and increased white blood cell counts are indicative of RA.

What are non-drug treatment options for RA?

Rest

Physical therapy

Occupational therapy

Exercise

Diet and weight control

Surgery

Where can I find more information on RA?

http://www.rheumatology.org
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/home/ovc-20197388
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/home/ovc-20197388

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