Rheumatoid arthritis, also called RA, is a chronic autoimmune disease that presents as an inflammatory condition in the body’s joints. This means that the immune system, which normally protects the body against disease, instead attacks the joint tissues and creates persistent inflammation. Over time, this inflammation can break down cartilage and bone, leading to permanent damage and reduced mobility.

The disease often affects multiple joints at once and is typically symmetrical, meaning the same joints on both sides of the body are affected – for example, both wrists or finger joints. It most commonly starts in the small joints of the hands, wrists, and toes, but the jaw and neck can also be involved.

The typical symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness in the joints, especially in the morning, when the stiffness can last from half an hour to several hours. Many people also experience general fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, and a feeling of being unwell – particularly during periods when the disease is active. In rare cases, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body such as the skin, lungs, or heart.

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not yet fully understood, but both hereditary factors and lifestyle play a role. Smoking is a well-known risk factor, and the disease likely arises from an interaction between genes and environmental factors.