Rheumatoid Arthritis Pictures

Interested in seeing rheumatoid arthritis pictures? If you have been diagnosed or are experiencing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, understanding what this disease involves can be helpful. What is rheumatoid arthritis and what do joints with rheumatoid arthritis look like?

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is different than the more common osteoarthritis in that RA is an autoimmune disease. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that lines the ends of the bone becomes damaged, leading to inflammation of the underlying bone and causing joint pain. In contrast, RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system malfunctions, attacking its own tissues, and creating chronic inflammation of the tissues that surround joints.

RA Overview

If a picture is worth a thousand words, what about a video? This video is a great overview of rheumatoid arthritis and how the disease affects the joints of the body.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Pictures: Hands

Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects joints of the hands and feet. As the joints of the hands become invlammed and enlarged, functional activities such as writing, opening jars, and opening doors become difficult.

In the hands, a deformity called ulnar drift can develop with severe RA. This deformity is characterized by the fingers of the hand drifting toward the outside or pinky side of the hand.

RA Pictures: Knees and Hips

Rheumatoid arthritis as a systemic disease will affect multiple joints of the body. Although the joints of the hands and feet are most common, other joints including the hips, knees, and ankles can also suffer damage from rheumatoid arthritis.

Because of the effects of RA on these large joints, in situations in which function is significantly limited, knee replacement surgery or hip replacement surgery may be recommended.

Seeing pictures of rheumatoid arthritis can help in understanding the potential progression of the disease and its effects on the joints. However, just because one individual has significant joint deformities does not mean that you are destined to have the same. Communicate with your doctor regarding your specific situation and what the best treatment options are for you.

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