Rheumatoid Arthritis or RA is an autoimmune disease. It typically presents with symptoms of pain, stiffness, swelling, and possible loss of function in the joints. RA is the body’s natural immune system attacks the tissues surrounding the joints and this affects their ability to function properly. This condition to lead to damage of the bones and cartilage in the joints as well as weakening of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons connected to the affected joints.
RA can follow there different disease patterns:
- Monocyclic: Have one episode which ends within 2-5 years of initial diagnosis and did not reoccur. This may result from early diagnosis and/or aggressive treatment.
- Polycyclic: The levels of disease activity fluctuate over the course of the condition.
- Progressive: RA continues to increase in severity and is unremitting