Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Paper

Words: 594
Pages: 3

Research project on Rheumatoid Arthritis

What is covered in this research paper?

This paper covers exactly what rheumatoid arthritis is. Including: The symptoms, as well as how to manage rheumatoid arthritis. What is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and the surrounding tissues. It is a progressive condition meaning that it will get worse and there for it will also start to effect other areas of the body. The symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis (also known as RA) often start to appear rather quickly. Within a few days, to a few weeks, the symptoms can fully appear, depending on the person. It is important to remember everyone is different. There for, their symptoms may vary from each other as well as the
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To this day there is no know reason for what causes RA. Some people have made some guesses, but the only thing known for sure is that it is an autoimmune disorder. An autoimmune disorder is where the immune cells attack the body. In the case of RA, the body attacks the joint synovial membrane. The synovial membrane normally produces a clear liquid that lubricates the healthy joints. It also gives cartilage and bones nourishment to remain effective and mobile. Once RA has been triggered by the autoimmune system, antibodies are produced. They then go on the attack. They release chemicals that cause inflammation to the synovial membrane. Once this happens it cannot produce the fluid needed to lubricate the joints. There for the joints become stiff and immobile. The joints become thicker without the fluids lubrication which leads to the joints cartilage and bone becoming destroyed. Over time it will also weaken the connective tissue between the bones. Once all the cartilage is destroyed, the ligaments that connect it to the bone also become weakened. This impacts the tendons that connect the bone to muscle. As the ligaments and tendons