Understanding rheumatoid arthritis - the basics

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis usually begins between the age of 30 and 50, and women are affected three times as frequently as men. Rheumatoid arthritis may occur in children, particularly girls, from two to five years of age. In children, it's called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterised by inflammation and pain in the hands -- especially the knuckles and second joints -- as well as in the wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders and feet. But it can affect almost any joint in the body. The duration and intensity of pain vary from person to person.

RA can also cause damage to other parts of the body, including the heart, lungs, eyes, nerves and muscles. General fatigue and sleeplessness are also common. The discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis can develop over weeks or months and tends to be most severe on awakening. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis are stiff in the morning and after sitting for prolonged periods.

Rheumatoid arthritis may eventually cause the hands and feet to become misshapen as muscles weaken and tendons are damaged. Some of this deformity can be prevented with appropriate treatment.

While there is no complete cure, treatment begun at the onset of the disorder relieves symptoms in most people. With early treatment, the likelihood of permanent disability is reduced in all but 5% to 10% of sufferers.

What causes rheumatoid arthritis?

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood, athough most research shows that it is an autoimmune disorder -- meaning that the body's immune system is attacking one or more areas of the body. Some people have a genetic or inherited factor that makes them more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.