Rheumatoid Arthritis : Live Surgery Tuesday

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various joints in the body, including the joints in the hands. When it specifically affects the hands, it can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks. Here’s an explanation of rheumatoid arthritis in the hands:

1. Autoimmune Nature: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, including the synovium (the lining of the membranes that surround the joints). In the case of RA, this immune response targets the synovium in multiple joints, including those in the hands.

2. Inflammatory Process: The autoimmune response in the hands causes chronic inflammation in the synovium