Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune disorder and causes inflammation and swelling in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis also adversely affects various other organs of the body such as the skin, heart, eyes, lungs and the blood vessels. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks joints and other soft-tissues associated with the joints. In severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis leads to deformities and erosion of the joints and causes movement disabilities.

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis
Some of the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are

• Genetic factors
  Genetics seems to play a crucial role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis and may be a cause for up to 60% of cases. It has been observed that rheumatoid arthritis is more prominent in people who have a family history of the disease. Several genes that are involved in immune regulation have been linked with rheumatoid arthritis. Our body differentiates between self and non-self on the basis of human-leucocyte antigens. It has been shown that variations in the HLA-DRB1 gene can contribute to its development.
• Smoking
  Smoking can not only increase your chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis but also increases the severity of the disease. Smoking is particularly risky in individuals who are already genetically predisposed for the disease.
• Obesity
  Obesity is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation and linked with the disease. Obesity increases the fat mass and consequently the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted by the adipose tissue increase in obese or overweight people. This condition worsens the symptoms. Moreover, obesity or being overweight also raises pressure on your joints.
• Hormones
  Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men due to hormonal fluctuations. Rheumatoid arthritis risk increases with menopause due to a drop in sex-hormone levels in women. One of the crucial female sex hormones, estrogen, may be involved in the development and subsequent progression of the disease by stimulating the proliferation of synovial cells and immune system cells such as macrophages.
• Vitamins and minerals
  Individuals suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have been found to be deficient in several essential nutrients and minerals such as Vitamin D, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, vitamin B6, zinc, selenium, calcium, and magnesium. Deficiency of these essential vitamins and antioxidants make the joints more susceptible to oxidative damage.
• Other causes
  Some of the other causes of rheumatoid arthritis are the excessive intake of coffee and red meat, exposure to silica dust, trauma or fracture in the joints, and viral infections due to Epstein-Barr virus.

Risk factors

• Age
  The most common age for onset of this condition is 40-60 years.
• Family history
  You are more susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis if there is a history of this condition in your family.
• Environment
  Toxic chemicals can increase the chances of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Gender
  Rheumatoid arthritis is more frequent in women than in men.
• Obesity
  Obese individuals are more prone to this condition.
• Smoking
  It increases the risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis and makes the symptoms more severe if already affected.

Rheumatoid arthritis can cause serious destruction to the joints and make movement and routine life very difficult. One must consult a doctor for a timely intervention to prevent excessive damage to the tissues.