Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects more than just your joints. Here are some key points about RA:

1. Overview:

   • RA is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body’s tissues.

   • Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, RA affects the lining of your joints, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

   • It can also damage other body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels.

2. Symptoms:

   • Tender, warm, swollen joints.

   • Joint stiffness, usually worse in the mornings and after inactivity.

   • Fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.

   • Early RA often affects smaller joints first (fingers, toes), and as it progresses, symptoms spread to wrists, knees, ankles, elbows, hips, and shoulders.

   • About 40% of people with RA experience signs and symptoms beyond joint involvement, affecting areas like salivary glands, nerve tissue, and blood vessels.

3. Course of the Disease:

   • RA signs and symptoms may vary in severity and can come and go.

   • Periods of increased disease activity (flares) alternate with periods of relative remission.

   • Over time, RA can cause joints to deform and shift out of place.

4. When to Seek Medical Attention:

   • Make an appointment with your doctor if you have persistent discomfort and swelling in your joints.

   • Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage RA effectively.

Remember that while new medications have improved treatment options, severe RA can still cause physical disabilities. Seeking medical advice early can make a significant difference in managing this condition. Consult Dr Chinmoy Roy at Rajarhat Pain Clinic, Newtown, Kolkata