Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers. More women than men get rheumatoid arthritis. It often starts in middle age and is most common in older people. You might have the disease for only a short time, or symptoms might come and go. The severe form can last a lifetime.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, the common arthritis that often comes with older age. RA can affect body parts besides joints, such as your eyes, mouth and lungs. RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the arthritis results from your immune system attacking your body's own tissues.

Turmeric supplements, diets rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats, sodium and processed foods might help reduce symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Gene-Health Association studies have shown a correlation between certain genetic polymorphisms and signs of Rheumatoid arthritis, such as number of tender joints, swollen joints, greater physician's global assessment of disease activity, and higher modified Health Assessment Questionnaire.1