Who gets rheumatoid arthritis?

There are several things that might make you more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis:

Genetics

Scientists think that the main reason people get rheumatoid arthritis is that they inherit a susceptibility to it from their parents. But not everyone with a genetic susceptibility to the disease will get it. It seems that something in the environment is also important for triggering the disease. Exactly what such triggers are is not certain. But they're usually things that are relatively harmless for most people, such as an infection.

Gender

If you're a woman you're twice as likely as a man to get rheumatoid arthritis.

Age

Rheumatoid arthritis can occur in people who are younger, but it is more common in people over the age of 40.

Can I reduce my risk?

Unfortunately not. Because rheumatoid arthritis is mainly a genetic disease, it can't be prevented. But early diagnosis and treatment with new medicines can help to slow down the progress of the disease, or stop it altogether.

Complications

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you are more likely to get some other conditions. These include:

1. Inflammation in other parts of your body

   Your lungs, heart, blood vessels and eyes are most likely to be affected.

2. Carpal tunnel syndrome

   This common but not serious condition can happen as a result of too much pressure on the nerves in the wrist. Symptoms include aching, numbness and tingling in fingers, thumb, hand and lower arm.

3. Cervical myelopathy

   This condition can happen if the joints at the top of your spine get damaged by rheumatoid arthritis. This can affect your mobility. Your neck may need to be assessed if you are due to have an operation.