What is the Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

What is the Cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease. In this condition, the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body by mistake. This “attack” causes inflammation and painful swelling in different body areas, mainly affecting the joints in the hands, wrists, and knees.

Without proper treatment, this condition may worsen and cause permanent joint and tissue damage, leading to long-lasting and chronic pain, lack of balance, and even deformity.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms 

Although rheumatoid arthritis can affect many parts of the body, here are the most common symptoms affecting the joints:

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Joint numbness
• Joint swelling
• Deformities

Other warning signs that can be related to this condition include:

• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weakness

Risk Factors for Rheumatoid Arthritis  

• Age (more common for adults in their 60s)
• Genetics
• Smoking
• Early life exposure
• Overweight or obesity
• Women who have never given birth

Physical Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis 

In addition to taking prescribed drugs, people with this condition can be treated through lifestyle changes and physical therapy. There are two types of physical therapy programs to manage the symptoms of RA. These are the passive and active treatments.

Passive Treatments include cold therapy, heat therapy, hydrotherapy, massage, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound. On the other hand, Active Treatments include muscle flexibility and strengthening, as well as aerobic exercise.