Discover Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a common disorder that affects more than 2 million people in the United States alone. The age at which this disorder attacks highly varies, but the majority of people who are diagnosed are between 40 and 60 years old.

If you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, you are well aware of how chronic it's and you probably have many questions. Let's examine what causes this form of arthritis, its early symptoms and diagnosis.

Autoimmune Disorder

In rheumatoid arthritis, the synovium (the thin membrane lining of the joints) is attacked by the body's immune system, which causes pain, inflammation, redness, swelling, and heat. It eventually destroys the joints if it is not stopped. A person who has this disease does not have a normal immune system response.With a healthy immune system, the body is protected from foreign substances by antibodies produced by white blood cells.

However, when this rheumatoid arthritis is present, the body's immune system tries to destroy healthy tissue because it identifies it as an invader.Antibodies known as rheumatoid factor are supposed to regulate normal antibodies, but when there is a high level of rheumatoid factor, the person's immune system may not function correctly.

Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes

Although what causes rheumatoid arthritis has not been pinpointed by researchers, there are several factors to consider.Gender and genetics are two possible causes. Women get this disease two to three times more than men. Many researchers agree that genes can be a factor, but having the genetic marker associated with rheumatoid arthritis doesn't always mean a person will get it, or that it will be passed down from parents to children.

Some doctors and researchers believe that infection can be another factor, but there is no proof of such a theory. Smoking can also play a role and might increase your risk of developing this disorder.

Causes of Joint Problems and Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms

Symptoms you may experience include pain, tenderness and swelling in the joints, redness and puffiness in the hands, firm tissue bumps on the arms under the skin, fatigue, stiffness in the mornings lasting for hours, weight loss, and fever. Joints in wrists, hands, feet, and ankles tend to be affected before shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, jaw, and neck.

Symptoms may come and go, but it is time to see a doctor when swelling and pain persists in multiple joints on both sides of your body. While this disease primarily affects the joints and surrounding tissue, it can affect the lungs. Call your doctor right away if you have unexplained difficulty breathing.

The eyes can also be affected by this disease. If you have this disorder and begin to have eye pain, changes in vision or other problems with your eyes, consult an ophthalmologist. Getting treatment early can help prevent complications that might threaten your vision.

Causes of Arthritis in Hands and Fingers

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diagnosis

The diagnosing process involves charting one's medical history, examination of the affected joints to assess the extent of damage in terms of inflammation, functionality, and deformity.Doctors frequently request a test to measure rheumatoid factor when attempting a diagnosis.This diagnosis can be tricky because a person can have a negative rheumatoid factor test but still have rheumatoid arthritis.

Another person may test positive on the rheumatoid factor but not have it.Doctors may also request x-rays and/or blood tests for further testing. Further recommendation to a rheumatologist (a physician that specializes in the treatment of arthritis and other related rheumatoid diseases) may be made to make a more conclusive diagnosis.

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What Causes Arthritis? The Facts and Factors You Need to Know

Arthritis is a condition that occurs when the protective cartilage of the joint wears or tears away, exposing the bare bone which causes pain, discomfort, and limited movement of the affected area.

Arthritis is usually developed by those over 50 years of age, and usually affects women. When an individual has arthritis, they usually experience pain due to the inflammation of the joints, which also causes stiffness, swelling, soreness, numbness, and tingling sensations. Sometimes it can lead to deformity and a very limited range of motion.

If the symptoms of arthritis are present, it is best to seek medical care from a health care professional. They will usually run tests by performing X-rays or MRI scans to assess the severity of the condition and to determine what treatment to use.

What causes arthritis exactly?

It has been difficult to pinpoint or determine exactly what causes arthritis since there are many factors that can contribute to the condition. Below is a list of possible factors to help us know what causes arthritis:

Heredity or Genetics - It is quite likely that a person can develop arthritis because of a defective gene that is responsible for the production of cartilage is present in the family's medical history which can be passed down from one generation to another.

Age - As one grows older, the protective cartilages surrounding the joints become more brittle and have less capacity to repair itself. Bones will also tend to break down which will also cause dysfunction in the joints as well as pain and discomfort.

Weight - Damage to the joints can also be caused by the weight that they have to carry or support. When an individual has excess body weight, it can eventually lead to arthritis. This is why arthritis in the knee and in the hip is common for those patients who are overweight.

Previous Injuries or Trauma - When an individual has a history of major injuries especially in the joints, arthritis can be developed. This is because the injuries might cause irregularities in the joints that were damaged which make it easier for arthritis to occur.

Overuse of Joints - This is a common cause especially for those who are active in sports or physical activities. This is because they repetitively use some joints which cause a lot of strain on them which can eventually lead to arthritis.

Infection or Illnesses - Some individuals who have a history of gout, joint infection, or other similar medical conditions are susceptible to developing arthritis in the joints. Some types of arthritis are also caused by viruses or bacteria.

Infectious arthritis, for example, can be developed due to surgery, if a needle was inserted into the joint, or if there was an infection that traveled from a different part of the body.

Tumor Necrosis Factor - This is a substance that is produced by the body which can eventually cause inflammation of the joints, which can lead to rheumatoid arthritis.

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