Explore Treatments for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that mainly affects the joints. It happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, RA can affect people of any age and may also involve other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, and blood vessels. Common symptoms of RA include joint pain, tenderness, and swelling (especially in the hands, wrists, and knees), stiffness, fatigue and symmetrical symptoms – the same joints on both sides of the body are often affected. RA is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms can worsen over time and may lead to joint damage or deformity if left untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing RA effectively and preventing long-term damage.