People with RA may experience symptoms that come and go, with periods of flare-ups and remission. Common signs include:

• Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, often in the hands, wrists, and feet.
• Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes.
• Fatigue, low-grade fever, and loss of appetite.
• Symmetrical symptoms on both sides of the body.
• Over time, untreated RA can cause permanent joint damage and deformities.

RA is progressive, but early recognition and intervention can help reduce its impact and preserve quality of life.

RA typically progresses through the following stages:

• Early Stage: Inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis) begins, causing pain and stiffness. No obvious joint damage is visible on imaging yet.
• Moderate Stage: Ongoing inflammation damages the cartilage, reducing mobility and increasing pain.
• Severe Stage: Inflammation extends to the bone and soft tissues, leading to joint deformities and loss of function.

Without effective management, RA can also contribute to complications such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

The exact cause of RA is still not fully understood, but research has identified several contributing factors:

• Genetics
  • Certain genetic markers, especially in the HLA-DRB1 gene family, increase susceptibility to RA.
• Environmental Triggers
  • Factors such as smoking, certain infections, and gum disease have been linked to the onset of RA in genetically predisposed individuals.
• Immune System Dysregulation
  • In RA, the immune system becomes overactive and attacks the body’s own joint tissues. Immune cells infiltrate the joints, releasing inflammatory chemicals that damage cartilage and bone.
• Hormonal Factors
  • Since women are more commonly affected, hormonal influences are believed to play a role in disease development and progression.

Thanks to decades of research, RA is now better understood and more effectively managed than ever before. However, there is no cure yet, and continued research is critical to uncovering more effective and targeted treatments.

• Identifies the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind RA.
• Develops better diagnostic tools for earlier detection.
• Enables more precise, personalized therapies.
• Explores regenerative medicine approaches to repair joint damage.
• Investigates lifestyle and environmental factors for prevention strategies.