Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

The joints in the human body come with cushioning and lubrication, allowing the bones that meet at each junction to move smoothly and work effectively. Rheumatoid arthritis, also know by the initials RA, is a common disease that degrades joints, leading to chronic pain, a loss of functionality, and even disability and deformity.

Affecting 1.3 million Americans (70% are women), the exact cause of this degenerative disease is unknown. Some researchers debate that it may actually be several diseases with common features. However, it is included in the category of autoimmune diseases. These are illnesses in which the body sees healthy tissue as an invader and attacks it.

The onset of RA is usually between the ages of 30 and 50. Since there is no cure, many seniors are affected by this malady. On the positive side, research has made it easier than ever to live with and control.

Any joint can be the starting point for rheumatoid arthritis. The most common beginnings are in the smaller joints. These include the wrists, hands and fingers. When RA affects such symmetrical joints, it often comes in a package deal. The same joint on both the right and left side of the body will suffer symptoms.

The Arthritis Foundation breaks the progression of RA into three stages. They are:

1. Swelling of the synovium or synovial lining that provides joint lubrication.
2. The formation of pannus (thickened layers of granulation tissue) caused by rapid division and growth of cells in the synovium.
3. The inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest cartilage and bone. This often destroys the joint capsule, leading to poor alignment and loss of movement, along with symptoms listed in the column to the right.