Final answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects synovial joints, causing joint swelling, stiffness, and pain. It is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, imaging, and blood tests, and treatment options include rest, exercise, medications, and surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the synovial joints of the hands, feet, and cervical spine. The affected joints become swollen, stiff, and painful. RA is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to cartilage breakdown, joint inflammation, and bone rubbing causing pain. Although the exact cause of RA is unknown, it is more common in women and usually occurs between the ages of 40 to 50.
Rheumatologists can diagnose RA based on symptoms, X-ray and MRI imaging, and blood tests. Treatments aim to alleviate symptoms and reduce damage to bone and cartilage. They include rest, exercise, medications to relieve pain and inflammation, and surgery in severe cases. Research is ongoing to further understand the causes and improve treatment options for RA.