Rheumatoid arthritis - development of disease I

Irreparable changes

Usually begins gradually, with symmetrical effect to the joint of hands and feet, and later other joints. May be affected practically all the joints including small joints of the spine. Typically affect women between the ages of 35-55. External factors such as bacterial or viral infection, surgery, trauma, birth, psychological stress, in some patients coincide with the beginning of the disease. Spine is usually spared, except for neck parts, especially the joint in the upper part of the cervical spine.
However, most frequent is the gradual emergence of arthritis of the hands and feet (polyarthritis), with a typical morning stiffness of all affected joints. Morning stiffness usually lasts longer than an hour, sometimes for several hours, but in the beginning or in the milder phase of the disease may be shorter. Clinical signs of disease include painful swelling of joints with absence of skin redness and disturbed function of the joint. Later appears a significant limit of movement in the affected joint, joint instability and deformity with deterioration and weakness of muscles. Joint swelling is the most important early sign of disease. Although effect on the joints is classically symmetrical, identical small joints of the hands and feet may not be strongly affected on both sides.