CONDITIONS TREATeD / RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints. It causes the destruction of the articular cartilage, resulting in pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the synovial membrane (the healthy tissue membrane that surrounds the joints).
The immune system is supposed to protect healthy tissue from foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and germs. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, resulting in inflammation and thickening of the synovium, eventually destroying the cartilage and bone within the joint.
As the tendons and ligaments holding the joint together get damaged, the joint is no longer supported. In approximately 40% of people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation can affect more than just the joints. This condition also affects non-joint structures such as the skin, eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, nerve tissue, bone marrow, the heart, and lungs.
Although the exact cause of the disease is unknown, researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk of developing other serious health problems, such as:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Infections
• Lung disease
• Lymphoma
• Obesity
• Osteoporosis

Despite advances in FDA approved treatments, the following issues continue to exist:

• Up to 30% of patients fail to respond to current treatment options
• Even with the resolution of inflammation, joint injury may persist
• Joints that have already been damaged will not heal, but further damage may occur