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Rheumatoid Arthritis
Overview
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Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights
reserved. www.nucleusinc.com
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Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually affects the same joint on both sides
of the body.
It occurs most frequently in the:
- fingers
- wrists
- elbows
- shoulders
- jaw
- hips
- knees
- toes
Rheumatoid arthritis is likely to be caused by a combination of genetic
and environmental factors that trigger an abnormal immune response.
Possible causes include:
- genetic factors — Certain genes that play a role in the immune
system are associated with the development of RA.
- defects in the immune system, that cause ongoing inflammation
- environmental factors — An infectious agent, such as a virus
or bacterium, may increase susceptibility to RA.
- other factors — Some evidence suggests that hormonal factors
may promote the development of RA in combination with genetic factors
and environmental exposure.
Risk factors that may increase your chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis
include:
- family members with rheumatoid arthritis
- sex: female
- ethnic background: Pima Indians
- major, persistent depression
- heavy or long-term smoking
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