What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

BY Bruce Shane 6 July, 2007

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) – is an inflammatory disease, mainly affecting joints and tendons. An inflamed joint looks swollen and red, and appears warm to the touch. The disease usually starts in the wrists, hands or feet, and can spread to other joints and other parts of the body. It is not known why rheumatoid arthritis occurs. People of any age can develop it, but it is most common between the ages of 30 and 50 years, and among women. Certain genes may trigger the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

The main aim of treatment for RA is to reduce the inflammation. There are different kinds of drugs that will be used to treat RA

* Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are given soon after diagnosis to slow down the disease process
* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be given alongside DMARD to tackle the inflammation and pain
* Steroids are used in case of severe inflammation.