Long-Term Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Other Parts of the Body
As
rheumatoid arthritis progresses, the inflamed synovium invades and destroys the cartilage and bone within the joint. The surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support and stabilize the joint become weak and unable to work normally. These effects of rheumatoid
arthritis lead to the pain and joint damage often seen with the disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis research scientists now believe that the disease begins to damage bones during the first year or two that a person has the rheumatoid arthritis. This is one reason why early diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are so important.
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis also develop anemia, or a decrease in the production of red blood cells. Other effects that occur less often include neck pain and dry eyes and mouth.
Very rarely, people may have inflammation of the blood vessels, the lining of the lungs, or the sac enclosing the heart.
Effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis -- Who's At Risk?
It is very difficult to predict the effects of rheumatoid arthritis in individual cases. However, some factors that have been shown to increase the chances of having some type of disability or deformity as a result of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- Advancing age
- Being female
- Having severe bone damage seen on x-rays
- Having rheumatoid nodules, which are small lumps under the skin
- Having high levels of rheumatoid factor or C-reactive protein (see Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis).
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