General Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. RA can affect other parts of the body as well: the blood, the lungs, the heart, etc. RA usually affects joints on both sides of the body equally. Wrists, fingers, knees, feet, and ankles are the most commonly affected. RA can occur at any age.

The cause of RA is unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases are illnesses that occur when the body's tissues are mistakenly attacked by their own immune system. A specific blood test is available for diagnosing RA and distinguishing it from other types of arthritis. It is called the anti-CCP antibody test.

There is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The goal of treatment in rheumatoid arthritis is to reduce joint inflammation and pain and prevent joint destruction.