Rheumatiod arthritis occurs when the body's autoimmune system attacks the synovial tissue between the joints. Nobody knows why this occurs but it leads to inflamation, swelling, stiffness and pain. Most people manage to cope with RA with appropriate help and trreatment. In some 15% of cases however, RA leads to relentless pain and swelling, joint destruction and functional disability. The disease can develop very quickly which is why early diagnosis and treatment is so important.
RA usually begins in middle age although it can affect people of any age, including children. Initially RA usually affects joints on both sides of the body. More women than men (a ratio of three to one) are affected.
RA is most likely to affect the knuckles and middle joints of fingers, the wrist, the shoulders, the knees, the ankles, the balls of the feet and the middle joints of toes. Inflammation of the tear ducts may occur and the lungs may also be affected.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts quite slowly with people experiencing intermittent discomfort and swelling. The Arthritis Research Campaign site says that "It is very important that treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is started as early as possible in the disease." Early diagnosis is important because pharmacological treatment is focused on limiting the damage that is caused by inflamation.
More than 400,00 people in England and Wales are affected by RA. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) estimates that 40% percent of people with RA stop working within 5 years of their initial diagnosis.
Many people experience episodic flare ups where the joints become more painful and inflamed. These flare ups do not follow a discernible pattern.
Rheumatoid arthritis is not the same as osteoarthritis which is characterised by damage to the cartilage rather than inflamation.
People with RA are more susceptible to heart attacks and strokes although the reason for this link is not yet known.
The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society says that "Rheumatoid arthritis is an economically costly disease, in fact, the total UK costs, including indirect costs and work related disability, are estimated to be approximately ?3.8 - ?4.75 billion per year. We now know that uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis does increase mortality through an increased risk of cardiovascular disease; again the need for early treatment is emphasised.".
