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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Rheumatoid Arthritis is believed to be an autoimmune disease where the body's own defenses attack itself. In rheumatoid arthritis, the joints are attacked and the membrane of the joints become inflamed damaging the tissues, cartilage, and bones. This is why rheumatoid arthritis is often seen on both sides of the body symmetrically. If the fingers are attacked on the left hand, then the right hand will show similar conditions of the disease.
The cause for rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but doctors believe it may have to be with genetics. In addition, studies have shown infections, coffee, and smoking can affect rheumatoid arthritis. Smokers were twice as likely to develop the disease and people who drank 4 or more cups of coffee per day where twice as likely to develop an antibody associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Gender also has an affect on the disease as women were 3 times more likely to develop the disease than men.
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