Last Updated on January 17, 2025 by Analgesia team
RA Medical Abbreviation Meaning
RA is the medical abbreviation for rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease.
Symptoms
Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and heat. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect any joint, but it’s most common in the hands and feet.
Causes
The cause of Rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but risk factors include smoking, obesity, and exposure to air pollution. Women and older people are more likely to develop Rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
Treatments include medication, lifestyle changes, and surgery. Early diagnosis can help control symptoms and disease progression.
Complications
Rheumatoid arthritis can lead to serious complications, including heart, lung, or nervous system problems. It’s also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, anemia, and infection.
RA is different from osteoarthritis, which is a common type of arthritis that often occurs with aging