The causes and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis

The first step to understanding rheumatoid arthritis is understanding the causes and symptoms. Here's what you need to know.

Most people think of arthritis as stiff, achy joints that are worn out due to old age. But that isn't always the case. While all forms of arthritis cause joint and musculoskeletal pain, rheumatoid arthritis targets younger adults between the ages of 25 and 50.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. This means that instead of your immune system protecting you against viruses and bacteria, it mistakenly attacks the soft tissue between your joints, causing painful swelling and breaking down of cartilage and bone.

The joints in your hands and feet are most often affected, but RA can also involve the eyes, skin, lungs and blood vessels.

Researchers aren't sure what causes someone's immune system to attack their joints. However, some cases may be the result of a relationship between your genetic makeup and exposure to elements in the environment. While your genes don't cause RA, they can make you more susceptible to viruses and bacteria that could potentially trigger the disease.

If you're a woman, you are two-to-three times more likely to develop RA than a man. Reproductive hormones may be potential risk factors for RA, and your risk is increased if you have family members with the disease. You may also be surprised to learn that your risk is increased if you're a smoker.

During the initial stages of RA, the smaller joints of your fingers, hands, feet and toes are affected, but it will eventually spread to other joints. You'll notice that your joints are swollen, tender and warm, with stiffness in the morning that lasts for hours, and joints on both sides of your body are symptomatic. You may also find rheumatoid nodules, which are bumps of tissue under the skin on your arms.

The severity of symptoms can vary. There may be times when you have flares of increased symptoms and then periods of remission, where you have little to no swelling and pain. Eventually, your joints may become deformed and move out of their proper alignment. Other symptoms include fatigue, a low-grade fever and a loss of appetite.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, so health care providers focus on relieving your inflammation and pain and prescribe medications for you to prevent further joint damage. Anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and drugs called biologics help reduce joint damage, and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) relieve swelling and pain. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids for short periods of time to reduce inflammation.

For greater joint flexibility, doctors encourage physical activity, which also helps strengthen muscles to protect your joints. Weight control, nutritious eating and getting enough rest are also important components of treatment that your doctor will want you to make a part of your everyday routine.

If you have been recently diagnosed with RA, you will want to work closely with your health care team to learn about the disease and treatment options. Don't be afraid to ask for help if dealing with the causes and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are causing you feelings of stress and frustration; these are all very normal emotions when dealing with a chronic illness. Your doctors can assist you in learning all the necessary coping skills to fight this disease in a positive and constructive manner.