Final answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder affecting joints with symptoms like pain and stiffness. It predominantly affects women around the age of 40-50 and lacks a definitive known cause. Diagnosis can include various tests such as blood tests and medical imaging.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects synovial joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, leading to inflammation and cartilage breakdown which causes bones to rub together. Although the exact cause is unknown, RA is more prevalent in women and typically manifests between the ages of 40 and 50. For diagnosis, rheumatologists may use symptoms assessment, blood tests for rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), as well as imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI, or arthrography.
RA is more common in women, especially those with declining estrogen levels, and typically occurs between the ages of 40 to 50. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, imaging tests, and blood tests, and there are various treatments available to alleviate symptoms.