Suspected Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Research related to discovering the causes ofSome researchers suspect virus or bacterial infection
rheumatoid arthritis has been unsuccessful inin the synovium could cause the immune response to
determining specific factors related to the disease. Itbody tissue. However, no specific infectious agent has
appears to be a combination of genetic risk factorsbeen discovered as a possible cause of rheumatoid
combined with the environment. Rheumatoid arthritisarthritis. It has been established that tobacco use
differs from osteoarthritis or the wearing of joint tissue.increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
The body develops a sense of immunity to normalHeredity and gender also play important roles in
body tissue and attacks as though it were a foreignincreasing the risk factor. Women have a 70 percent
invader.increased risk compared to men. Genetics are not
The disease typically starts with an immune responsesuspected as a direct cause of rheumatoid arthritis.
to the thin layer of tissue that provides protective liningHowever, genetic conditions are believed to play a role
of the joints called the synovium. Lymphocytes, ain making an individual more susceptible to
particular type of cell in the immune system, releases aenvironmental conditions that do lead to the disease.
messenger, called cytokines that cause inflammation inIndividuals experiencing joint pain could be developing
the joints. It is a progressive disease that continues tosymptoms of the condition and should consult a
deteriorate as the individual becomes older. Thephysician. Early treatment helps slow the progression
disease eventually leads to further inflammation, painof the disease. Regular exercise will strengthen
and eventual loss of joint function. Eventually, themuscles in joint regions to help reduce the pain and
disease attacks other joint related tissues such asdiscomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
cartilage, tendons and ligaments.