Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints. The most often affected joints are those of the knuckles, wrists, and feet. In addition to joint symptoms, in some people, RA advances to affect tissues and organs, like the skin, heart, lungs, and kidneys, as well.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Rheumatoid Arthritis is a long-term condition that leads to inflammation of tissues, joints, and other organs. It develops slowly, and there may not be any symptoms at the beginning.
Scientists still don't know what causes rheumatoid arthritis. It is an autoimmune disease, which causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues and exposes tissues to harmful substances. As a result, the body attacks itself. Preventing rheumatoid arthritis is impossible.

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This disease can occur at any age, but women are at a higher risk than men. Wrists, knees, feet, fingers, and ankles are the most commonly affected body parts. The severity of the disease can vary. Hormones, genes, and infection contribute to rheumatoid arthritis.

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The disease starts off slowly and then develops into the serious illness with severe symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weakness, and pain. Morning stiffness is also very common. This disease requires lifelong treatment, medications, exercise, physical therapy, and even surgery. Early treatment can delay joint destruction.

Conditions

"Condition" is a general term for particular abnormal diseases that negatively affect a part or all of the body. Conditions are not due to any external injury. Therefore, a broken bone does not classify as a condition, whereas Herpes, OCD, Shingles, and Ulcers do.

Medical conditions are classified by specific symptoms and signs. While each person's experiences can vary, there are consistent signs and symptoms that doctors will look for when diagnosing their patients. We always recommend that people seek a professional diagnosis. Afterward, supplement medical advice and opinion with accurate and easy to read information.

Most people only spend an average of a couple minutes with their doctor during a checkup. Oftentimes patients don't receive the fullest explanation of their diagnosis. Easily search through the vast amount of articles that Facty Health offers for ones that address your specific needs. From there, allow us to help you with those unanswered questions.

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