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Conditions Encyclopedia Entry 1778917040

** This encyclopedia entry is about **Rheumatoid Arthritis**, a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. **CONTENT** ### Overview Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and stiffness. RA can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. The symptoms of RA can vary from person to person, but they often include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, as well as fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite. RA is a chronic condition, meaning that it cannot be cured, but it can be managed with treatment. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. Treatment options for RA include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints. ### History/Background Rheumatoid Arthritis has been described in medical literature for thousands of years. The earliest recorded description of RA was found in the Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text that dates back to around 1550 BCE. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that RA was recognized as a distinct medical condition. In 1800, the French physician Augustin Jean Fresnel described a condition that he called "rheumatism," which is now known to be RA. In the early 20th century, the discovery of the rheumatoid factor, a protein that is present in the blood of people with RA, helped to establish the condition as a distinct autoimmune disorder. The development of new treatments, including corticosteroids and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), has significantly improved the management of RA. ### Key Information **Key Statistics:** - RA affects approximately 1% of the global population. - Women are three times more likely to develop RA than men. - The average age of diagnosis is 55 years old. - RA can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. **Symptoms:** - Joint pain and stiffness - Swelling and inflammation - Fatigue and loss of appetite - Fever and weight loss - Morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour **Treatment Options:** - Medications: corticosteroids, DMARDs, biologics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - Physical therapy: exercise, stretching, and strengthening - Lifestyle changes: maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise ### Significance Rheumatoid Arthritis is a significant public health concern due to its impact on quality of life and its economic burden. RA can cause significant disability and reduce productivity, leading to lost income and increased healthcare costs. However, with proper treatment and management, people with RA can lead active and fulfilling lives. **INFOBOX** - **Name:** Rheumatoid Arthritis - **Type:** Chronic autoimmune disorder - **Date:** 1550 BCE (first recorded description) - **Location:** Global - **Known For:** Chronic inflammation and pain in the joints **TAGS:** autoimmune disorder, chronic condition, joint pain, inflammation, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease, chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorder.