09-02-2023, 04:38 PM
The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues.
In RA, the immune system attacks the synovial membranes that line the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Over time, this chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage, bone, and other tissues in the joint, leading to joint deformity and loss of function.
Genetic factors appear to play a role in RA, as the disease tends to run in families. However, not everyone with a genetic predisposition to RA will develop the disease, suggesting that environmental factors may also be involved.
Some possible environmental triggers of RA include infections, trauma, and exposure to certain chemicals. However, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of RA and how to effectively treat and prevent it.
In RA, the immune system attacks the synovial membranes that line the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Over time, this chronic inflammation can damage the cartilage, bone, and other tissues in the joint, leading to joint deformity and loss of function.
Genetic factors appear to play a role in RA, as the disease tends to run in families. However, not everyone with a genetic predisposition to RA will develop the disease, suggesting that environmental factors may also be involved.
Some possible environmental triggers of RA include infections, trauma, and exposure to certain chemicals. However, more research is needed to fully understand the underlying causes of RA and how to effectively treat and prevent it.