There are many different types of arthritis that you can suffer from, but one of the most common by far is rheumatoid arthritis. Although the basics of this form of arthritis compared to others are very similar, there are many major differences as well.

What is it?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, one that causes redness, swelling, pain, discomfort, and which tends to worsen if left untreated. The inflammation caused by this disease can even affect internal organs of the body, such as the eyes, lungs and heart. Although rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic illness, sufferers may go long periods without any symptoms.

It is a progressive disease however, and this means that if left unnoticed or otherwise untreated, it is able and in fact very likely to cause joint destruction and functional disability.

What are the Causes?

There is no one single cause or factor that is considered as being responsible for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are a few factors that are recognized as being potentially responsible. Infectious agents such as bacteria and fungi have long been connected to this disease, and it is also suspected that certain environmental factors play a role in its development.

Symptoms

In some cases the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are more evident than others, but for the most part patients tend to experience a burning or soreness in their joints, and other symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, lack of appetite, fever, muscle aches, and stiffness in the muscles and joints.

Multiple joints are usually inflamed at the same time, and generally in a symmetrical pattern, meaning that both sides of the body are affected simultaneously. When there is only one joint involved, the arthritis is able to mimic the joint inflammation caused by other forms of arthritis, which can make it much more difficult to diagnose.

It is important to realize that in a condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, there are often remissions, which are periods of time in which the symptoms do not appear. During these remissions, the symptoms of the disease will disappear, and then once the disease becomes active again, and it typically always will, then the symptoms will return accordingly.

The only way to determine what the specific form of treatment is that should be used in your particular case, you need to get in to see your doctor immediately and work together with them to discuss your condition and determine what the best method of treatment is going to be.