Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and is considered a chronic inflammatory disorder. But, rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just affect joints. It can affect other parts of the body. Unlike osteoarthritis, it affects the lining of your joints and causing swelling that can result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Because of the inflammation caused by the condition, the body might experience these symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:
- Tender, warm, swollen joints
- Joint stiffness that is usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity
- Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite
Cause Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues specifically the synovium. The synovium is the lining of the membranes that surround your joints. This results in the thickening of the synovial membrane and causes the cartilage and bone within the joint to be destroyed. This eventually leads to the joints being misaligned and losing its shape.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Complications
With rheumatoid arthritis, there come some complications. These conditions increase your chances of developing these conditions:
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid nodules
- Dry eyes and mouth
- Infections
- Abnormal body composition
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lymphoma
- Lung Disease