The autoimmune disease that prominently attacks multiple joints throughout the body is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition where your body's immune system, which normally works to protect you from infections and diseases, mistakenly attacks healthy tissue within your joints. This misdirected attack leads to inflammation, pain, swelling, and potential joint damage. While it may not literally affect every single joint in the body simultaneously or equally in every individual, RA is characterized by its systemic nature and its capacity to affect many joints symmetrically, often starting in smaller joints like those in the hands and feet before progressing to larger ones.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround your joints. When the immune system attacks this lining, it causes inflammation, which thickens the synovium and can eventually erode the cartilage and bone within the joint. This process leads to the characteristic pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with RA. If left untreated, it can result in permanent joint deformity and functional impairment.
Common Joints Affected by RA
Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects multiple joints on both sides of the body (symmetrically). Common areas include:
- Hands (especially knuckles and middle joints of fingers)
- Wrists
- Feet (toes and ankles)
- Knees
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Neck (cervical spine)
Key Characteristics of RA
Beyond joint involvement, RA presents with several distinguishing features:
- Symmetry: Affected joints usually appear on both sides of the body.
- Morning Stiffness: Prolonged stiffness in the joints, often lasting for more than 30 minutes to an hour in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
- Pain and Swelling: Joints are typically painful, tender, warm, and swollen.
- Systemic Symptoms: Patients may experience fatigue, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss, indicating its systemic nature.
- Fluctuating Course: RA often follows a pattern of flares (periods of increased disease activity and symptoms) and remissions (periods of reduced or no symptoms).
RA vs. Other Arthritis Types
It's important to distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from other forms of arthritis. While many types of arthritis exist, RA is unique in its autoimmune origin and systemic impact.
| Feature | Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) | Osteoarthritis (OA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune disease; immune system attacks joint lining | "Wear and tear" of cartilage over time |
| Nature | Systemic; affects multiple joints symmetrically | Localized; affects specific joints, often asymmetrical |
| Inflammation | Significant, leading to swollen, warm joints | Less pronounced; more about structural damage |
| Morning Stiffness | Usually lasts more than 30 minutes | Usually lasts less than 30 minutes |
| Age of Onset | Can occur at any age, often 30-60 years | Typically develops later in life, often >65 years |
| Joint Symptoms | Pain, swelling, warmth, tenderness, stiffness, often symmetrical | Pain, stiffness, grinding sensation, often asymmetrical |
For more detailed information on rheumatoid arthritis, including symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, you can consult reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic on Rheumatoid Arthritis.
