Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that includes not only joints but other connective tissue as well. The condition is three times more prevalent in women as it is in men. There is also a familial trend that may reflect a genetic component to the disease. There is a rise in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as well.
Rhematoid Arthritis is generally believed to be a result of a disorder of the bodies immune system. In essence, the body begins to attack itself, and thus leading to inflammation. Lab studies have begun to demonstrate a possible "Rheumatoid Factor" that may be involved. The Rheumatoid Factor is thought to be an antibody present that reacts against the bodies own natural antibodies. The basic theory is that an exaggerated immune repsonse is occurring. Or, possibly it's caused by some long term stimulation by an infectious agent of a foreign substance of some form.
Whatever the root cause, one thing is certain - Rheumatoid Arthritis leads to inflammation of the synovial tissues. or the thin, smooth membranes or capsule lining the joints. This inflammation leads to an immune response where white blood cells and antibodies invade the synovial membrane, causing it to double over and fold over upon itself.
Reoccurance of this situation leads to permanent damage to the joint cartilage, bones, ligaments, and tendons. Long term occurance of these symptoms can then lead to damage to other body systems including blood vessels, skin damage, damage to nerves, muscles, heart and lungs. This is especially sad in cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis where a child's mobility may be affected.
Hands, wrists, shoulders, elbows, feet, ankles, and knees are usually the involved on both sides of body. However, single joints can be affected
Symptoms are worse in the morning but improve as the days activities carry on
Small lumps form beneath the skin in some people, especially around the elbows
There is often distressing fatigue in the early afternoon that includes difficulty in sleeping
Other Forms of Damage
There can be other areas of damage as a result of Rheumatoid Arthritis including vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels, skin rash, stomach ulcers, scarring in the lungs, nerve damage, dry eyes and mouth, and enlargment of the spleen and lymph nodes. Though more common in elderly people, more and more cases of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are being detected.