Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that affects 1.5 million Americans. It has no cure, but it can be controlled by a range of treatments. Learn more about RA by taking this quiz. It's based on information from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
1. One characteristic of RA is that it usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. If one hand is affected, the other one is, too.
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RA often affects the wrists and fingers. It also affects the neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles, and feet.
2. RA always gets worse over time.
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RA varies from person to person. Some people have flare-ups, when symptoms worsen, and periods of remission, when symptoms ease. Other people develop severe RA. This lasts for many years and causes joint damage and disability.
3. RA is an autoimmune disease.
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An autoimmune disease means that the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. In RA, the immune system attacks the joints, destroying cartilage and bone.
4. RA is 2 to 3 times more common in women than in men.
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Some other forms of arthritis also are more common in women. Two examples are systemic lupus erythematosus and fibromyalgia.
5. If you have a family history of RA, you are more likely to get it yourself.
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Healthcare providers believe that genes play a role in raising the risk for RA. Something in the environment—an infection, say—may trigger RA in a person who has certain genes. Hormones also may be involved. RA often eases with pregnancy and flares up after delivery.
6. RA may be difficult to diagnose when symptoms first show up.
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RA symptoms are often similar to those of other diseases and conditions. So it is often difficult to diagnose RA when the first symptoms show up. A healthcare provider will make the diagnosis after a physical exam, a look at a person's health history, blood tests, and X-rays.
7. The medical specialist who treats people with RA is the endocrinologist.
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A doctor who specializes in RA and other forms of arthritis is a rheumatologist.
8. Having RA may raise your risk for osteoporosis.
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This is true for anyone. The risk is greater if you take certain medicines like corticosteroids for RA. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can help prevent osteoporosis.
9. Eating certain foods can help ease RA symptoms.
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No specific food, ingredient, or supplement helps relieve RA symptoms. But a nutritious, balanced diet is important to overall health.
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