Rheumatoid Arthritis

About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis RA is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease primarily affecting the synovial joints. It affects roughly 0.5 to 1 percent of adults in developed countries, with women affected 2 to 3 times more than men. Onset is typically between ages 30 and 60. The disease involves synovial inflammation and proliferation pannus formation that erodes cartilage and bone. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness, particularly in the small joints of the hands and feet, with morning stiffness lasting more than 1 hour. The disease is usually symmetric. Systemic symptoms include fatigue, low grade fever, and weight loss. Extra articular manifestations include rheumatoid nodules, vasculitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and increased cardiovascular risk. Diagnosis involves clinical examination, blood tests RF rheumatoid factor, anti CCP antibodies, elevated CRP and ESR, and imaging X ray, ultrasound, MRI showing erosions. Early treatment helps prevent joint damage. Methotrexate is commonly the first disease modifying drug used. Biologic therapies have transformed RA management: TNF inhibitors etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, IL 6 inhibitors tocilizumab, B cell depletion rituximab, and JAK inhibitors tofacitinib. With modern treatment, many people achieve low disease activity or remission.