Rheumatoid Arthritis (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Overview
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Questions to Ask the Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- Support Groups and Counseling
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
- Pictures of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Slideshow
- Viewer Comments: Rheumatoid Arthritis - Early Symptoms
Rheumatoid Arthritis Causes
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. Many factors are involved in the abnormal activity of the immune system that characterizes rheumatoid arthritis. These factors include genetics (heredity), hormones (explaining why the disease is more common in women than men), and possibly infection by a bacterium or virus.
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Viewer Comments & Reviews
Rheumatoid Arthritis - Early Symptoms
The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your symptoms at the onset of your disease?
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Resources
- Can You Slow Joint Damage?
- RA Health Check: Get Steps to Better Manage Your RA
- Joint-Friendly Exercises That Reduce Pain
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Rheumatoid Arthritis »
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease of unknown cause that primarily affects the peripheral joints in a symmetric pattern.
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