Learn more about the proven physical activity programs that CDC recommends. These classes can help people with RA feel better. Classes take place at local Ys, parks, and community centers.
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#Rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis criteria 2019 how to
If you are worried about making arthritis worse or unsure how to safely exercise, participation in physical activity programs can help reduce pain and disability related to RA and improve mood and the ability to move.
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Unlike the risk factors above which may increase risk of developing RA, at least one characteristic may decrease risk of developing RA. Studies examining the role of obesity also found that the more overweight a person was, the higher his or her risk of developing RA became. Being obese can increase the risk of developing RA. Children of lower income parents are at increased risk of developing RA as adults. For example, one study found that children whose mothers smoked had double the risk of developing RA as adults. Some early life exposures may increase risk of developing RA in adulthood. Women who have never given birth may be at greater risk of developing RA. Multiple studies show that cigarette smoking increases a person’s risk of developing RA and can make the disease worse. The risk of RA may be highest when people with these genes are exposed to environmental factors like smoking or when a person is obese. These genes, called HLA (human leukocyte antigen) class II genotypes, can also make your arthritis worse. People born with specific genes are more likely to develop RA. New cases of RA are typically two-to-three times higher in women than men. The onset of RA is highest among adults in their sixties. RA can begin at any age, but the likelihood increases with age. Researchers have studied a number of genetic and environmental factors to determine if they change person’s risk of developing RA. Top of Page What are the risk factors for RA? RA can also affect other tissues throughout the body and cause problems in organs such as the lungs, heart, and eyes. This tissue damage can cause long-lasting or chronic pain, unsteadiness (lack of balance), and deformity (misshapenness). In a joint with RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, causing damage to joint tissue.
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RA commonly affects joints in the hands, wrists, and knees. RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once. Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body.