Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints. Symptoms start in the joints of the hands and feet, but any joint may later become affected. Rheumatoid arthritis can make your joints feel stiff and can leave you feeling generally unwell and tired.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Your immune system, which usually fights infection, attacks the lining of your joints, resulting in them becoming inflamed. Over time your joints may become permanently damaged and stop working properly.
The condition affects approximately 350,000 people in the UK and is more common in women than men. It is more likely to occur in people over 40, but sufferers can be any age.
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis usually come and go. Sometimes symptoms only cause mild discomfort, but other times they can be very painful, making it difficult to move around and do everyday tasks.
Worsening symptoms are known as flare-ups. A flare-up is impossible to predict, making rheumatoid arthritis a difficult condition to live with. At present there is no known cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but early diagnosis and treatment at the Horder Centre can help ease symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.
