HOW RA AFFECTS THE REST OF THE BODY

RA is known as a joint disorder, where inflammation causes joint pain, swelling , and stiffness that can turn into devastating deformities as the joints gradually break down.  RA mostly affects the hands, wrists, and feet but can strike in many other joints in the body.  But did you know that RA can affect body systems outside the joints as well? 

In up to 40 percent of people with RA, there will be complications of RA in body systems ither than the ones and joints.  People with RA have a higher risk than the average population of heart disease.  Also, pericarditis, inflammation of the lining of the heart, is often found in RA patients.  RA can cause nodules in the lungs that may or not cause symptoms.  Rheumatoid nodules can form under the skin around joints.  Inflammation can occur in blood vessels as well.  Various inflammatory disorders in the eye can develop, including scleritis, keratitis, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye).  RA may also increase the risk of nerve disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Whenever you have symptoms anywhere in your body that concern you, contact your primary care doctor and rheumatologist.  While there is no cure for RA, early treatment combined with proper adjustments can prevent complications both within and outside the joints.