Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, especially the lining of the joints. This leads to inflammation and can result in joint damage and deformity over time. The disease often affects the small joints of the hands and feet first, but it can involve other joints as well. Besides joints, it may also impact other parts of the body, such as the skin, eyes, and lungs. The symptoms can vary in severity and may come and go, but the disease is generally progressive without treatment.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder characterized by persistent synovitis, systemic inflammation, and the presence of autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies. The core pathology involves immune-mediated inflammation of the synovial membrane, leading to pannus formation, cartilage destruction, and bone erosion. The exact etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic predisposition (e.g., HLA-DRB1 alleles) and environmental triggers. Clinically, it presents with symmetrical polyarthritis, morning stiffness lasting more than one hour, and extra-articular manifestations including rheumatoid nodules and vasculitis. If untreated, it results in joint deformities and functional disability, making early diagnosis and management critical.