Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is characterized by stiffness, swelling, and pain in joints. It must last at least six weeks to begin a diagnosis of RA. Sufferers can also cause fluid buildup, especially in the ankles. There are many different kinds of RA that plague people in different ways.

Juvenile RA

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, or JRA, is when arthritis strikes a child under the age of 16. Polyarticular JRA, a less common form of JRA, affects small joints. It typically will affect more than four areas. Pauciarticular JRA is the most common form of JRA. It affects large joints like the knees and is most common in girls under the age of 8.

Curable RA

There are many types of RA that can be cured. Whipple disease, which affects metabolism, is a curable form. SLE, Polyarteritis nodosa, and SLE are curable forms as well. Even carpal tunnel, which is a RA that affects the wrists and fingers, is a curable form.

Rare types of RA

While many types of RA are common, there are some types that are rare and hard to diagnose. Whipple disease, while curable, is a rare type of RA to have. Arthritis associated with psoriasis, a skin condition, is rare as well. So are Reiter's Syndrome, Cauda Equina Syndrome and Felty Syndrome.

Complications of RA

RA causes many complications including chronic joint pain and joint deformity. A RA sufferer can also have anemia, blood vessel inflammation, and lung and heart inflammation.

Treatment of RA

A medical professional needs to be consulted for the proper treatment of RA. Commonly it will be treated with several methods. Medications are needed, as well as physical therapy, and surgery in some extreme cases.

Source:

What is RA

RA types