| RA is a chronic and potentially disabling disease that affects 1 in every 100 Irish people |
| The onset of RA typically occurs between ages 25-50. Unlike osteoarthritis, which typically strikes aging adults, RA affects people at all ages, including nearly 5,000 children -- some as young as infants. |
| RA, marked by pain, tenderness and inflammation of the joints, leads in some cases to destruction of cartilage and joint deformities and even premature death. |
| Women are nearly three times more likely than men to develop RA. |
| RA is an autoimmune disease. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from damage to the cartilage of the joints, RA occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and damages the joints and sometimes other organs. |
| In addition to its potential disabling effects, some people with RA will develop nodules, or bumps under the skin, close to the joints. Others may develop anemia or experience dry eyes and mouth. |
| RA is a disease that often makes it difficult to perform simple tasks like getting out of bed, shaving or putting on a belt. |
|
 |
This is what early rheumatoid arthritis looks like. The knuckle joints are puffy, swollen and warm to the touch. |
  |
This is what severe chronic rheumatoid arthritis looks like. The idea of modern treatment is to prevent deformities like these occuring |
| Researchers suspect that one or more infectious agents may trigger the initial inflammation of the joint lining in a genetically susceptible individual. Some research suggests that stress may also activate RA. |
| The cause of RA is not known, but research has provided information about the factors contributing to the inflammation and the role of genes. |
| RA may follow a variety of courses. The disease may affect one joint initially and then advance to other joints, or strike unexpectedly and suddenly, affecting many joints at once. |
| An early diagnosis of RA from your physician is critical, and it could make the difference between being able to continue with everyday life (under moderate restrictions), becoming disabled or being bedridden. Left untreated, RA may shorten life expectancy. |
| It is thought that RA causes the most significant joint damage within the first two years after onset -- another reason why early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is critical. |
| If you have: fatigue, morning stiffness, difficulty moving a joint or several joints, pain and inflammation in or around a joint(s), talk to your doctor. If you have these symptoms for two weeks or more, you might have RA. |
| RA is diagnosed by recognizing the type and pattern of joint involvement. The detection of an antibody in the blood, called rheumatoid factor, is helpful in confirming the diagnosis. |
| Early aggressive treatment with Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) can reduce the impact of the disease, such as limiting disability and pain. When used early, DMARDs have the potential to control the disease process. |
| There is no cure for RA, but the disease may be managed with DMARDs and other treatments. Research on the immune system has led to promising approaches for more effective treatment of the disease process. |
| Exercise, both recreational and specific exercises devised by physiotherpists can help the pain of arthritis |
| When a patient with RA begins a new treatment or exercise regimen, it should be discussed first with a health professional. |