Rheumatoid arthritis
Causes &
symptoms
Certain genetic traits can be identified in the majority of those affected by rheumatoid arthritis. For this reason, researchers assume that it is an autoimmune disease that can be inherited. Furthermore, an advanced age (40-60) as well as nicotine consumption and obesity are risk factors for the chronic inflammatory disease.
The first symptoms usually appear in the affected joints directly. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect all joints, but tends to often occur mainly in the small joints in the hands and feet first. In general, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees and ankles are most affected.
Examples of joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis
Swelling, hyperthermia, weakness and chronic pain occur in the inflamed joints. Furthermore, those affected suffer from joint stiffness in the mornings, which can last longer than 30 minutes. For many patients, the symptoms occur on both sides of the body. In addition to the joints, rheumatoid arthritis can make the entire body suffer. Loss of appetite, weight loss, feeling faint and fatigue often occur. The inflammation can also cause a rise in temperature and even a fever. Furthermore, the inflammation can spread to other regions of the body as the disease progresses: tendon sheaths and bursae as well as other organs such as eyes, blood vessels, heart, lungs and nerves may be attacked.