Final answer:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the hands, leading to joint damage and deformity. It's diagnosed by rheumatologists through various tests and is more common in women aged 40-50. Treatment includes medications and sometimes surgery, but, unfortunately, there is no cure.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rheumatoid Arthritis Explained
The progressive joint disease described in the question is Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disorder that often starts in the synovial joints of the hands, causing significant joint deformation and pain. RA is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system abnormally attacks its own tissues. This can lead to the deterioration of cartilage and subsequent bone erosion, resulting in the twisted and knotted appearance of fingers. Rheumatologists diagnose RA through symptoms, imaging tests like X-rays and MRIs, and blood tests. RA is more prevalent among women, with typical onset between ages 40 and 50. This autoimmune disease may also affect major organs such as the heart, leading to complications like lung fibrosis, vasculitis, and increased risk of coronary heart disease.
Treatment options for RA include exercises, anti-inflammatory and pain medications, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and in some cases, surgery, to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Regrettably, there's currently no cure for this disorder, but ongoing research continues to explore its genetic and environmental origins.