Facts and Tips about Rheumatoid Arthritis

And now that you know more about rheumatoid arthritis, test your knowledge.

Researchers aren't sure what exactly causes rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it could have something to do with heredity: they've discovered a possible link between the genetic marker HLA-DR4 and people with RA.

• Rheumatoid arthritis causes your immune system to turn against itself.
• RA symptoms are often symmetrical: if your right wrist is affected, your left wrist usually is, too.
• Women are more likely than men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
• Pregnancy can relieve some of the symptoms of RA.
• In the spine, rheumatoid arthritis usually starts in the neck (cervical spine).
• You need a good balance of rest and exercise / activity to keep your joints as healthy as possible.
• In the US, it's estimated that 1.3 million people have RA¹.