Rheumatoid Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Modern Treatment
Introduction Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and progressive joint damage. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joint tissues. hand joint swelling RA can significantly impact quality of life if not diagnosed and treated early. According to the World Health Organization, rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common inflammatory joint diseases worldwide and can lead to disability if left untreated. This article provides a comprehensive overview of rheumatoid arthritis, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and modern treatment options. What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system targets the synovium, the lining of the joints. This causes: knee cartilage degeneration Chronic inflammation Thickening of the joint lining Dam...