Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis where your immune system attacks healthy tissues in your joints.It usually affects the joints in the hands and feet, but it can also affect the knees and oth er joints. RA is often symmetrical as well. For example, this means both knees would be affected.
Causes
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of arthritis where your immune system attacks healthy tissues in your joints.
Symptoms
- Warmth around the joint
- Stiffness or locking of the joint, especially
- during cold weather or in the morning
- Weakness or instability of the joint when you put weight on it
- Difficulty moving or straightening your knee joint
- Creaking, clicking, or popping noises when the joint moves
- Other symptoms of RA include:
- Exhaustion
- Tingling or numbness in the feet or fingers
- Dry mouth or dry eyes
- Eye inflammation
- Losing your appetite/Abnormal weight loss
Treatment
Drugs
There are four main groups of drugs that are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
These are: Painkillers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Steroids (also known as corticosteroids)
These are: Painkillers
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Steroids (also known as corticosteroids)