Arthritis may be a slight stiffness or occasional ache for some; for others it is a debilitating disease that severely hinders everyday activities. This painful inflammation of the joints can be caused by multiple factors including normal wear and tear, called Osteoarthritis (OA). Arthritis caused by an autoimmune response in the body is called Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
In Autoimmune Disorders the Immune System Attacks the Body
Normally, the immune system attacks invaders in the body such as viruses and bacteria; in autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the immune system malfunctions and attacks it own healthy tissue. In RA, white blood cells that fight infections by producing proteins called cytokines, mistakenly attack the synovium (fluid-filled tissue that lubricates the joint), cartilage and bone at the body’s joints.
This causes inflammation, stiffness and pain. RA can affect all the joints of the body including the hands, feet, neck and shoulders. Secondary symptoms include fever, fatigue, anemia, appetite loss and rashes. Although this disorder usually affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 60, juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis can occur at any age and is more common in females.
Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis?
While RA is an autoimmune disease that can occur at any age, though most commonly after the age of 30 years, OA is caused by aging, injury, obesity and general wear and tear to the joints and usually affects adults over the age of 40 years.
OA, which is the far more common type, commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the back, knees, neck, hips as well as the toes. It will also worsen with activity throughout the day. RA often causes swelling in pairs of joints, especially in the hands, wrists, knees and ankles. A classic sign of this arthritis is that pain and swelling generally is worse in the morning or after resting.
Both OA and RA cause joint stiffness, pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion, however individuals affected by RA show more swelling and may also have fever, fatigue, loss of energy and other more complicated symptoms.
Environmental Factors May Cause Arthritis
Unlike OA, which is usually caused by mechanical factors such as aging, obesity, poor exercise habits or injury to the joint, the exact cause of RA is not known. Factors that may play a part include:
- Genetics – hereditary arthritis may make you more likely to develop RA.
- Environment - RA and other autoimmune disorders may be triggered by certain chemicals, toxins, bacteria and viruses in some individuals.
- Hormones – 70% of individuals affected by RA are female. Hence it is thought that the female hormone estrogen may increase the risk of RA.
- Stress - The body’s response to high levels of stress may also trigger RA.
- Aging, injuries and obesity are factors for OA, but not necessarily for RA which can occur at any age.
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Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
