Causes of rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune condition in which the immune system wrongly attacks the lining of the joints (the synovium). This causes swelling, pain and, over time, damage to cartilage and bone. The exact cause is not known, but research points to a mix of genes, environment and immune factors.

Main contributors

• Autoimmunity: the body produces antibodies and inflammatory chemicals that target joint tissue. Many people have rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies in the blood.
• Genetics: having a close relative with RA raises the risk, and certain genes such as HLA-DR4 are linked. Most people with these genes never develop RA.
• Sex and age: RA is two to three times more common in women, and often begins between 30 and 60 years of age.
• Smoking: the strongest known lifestyle risk factor, and it can also make the disease more severe.
• Hormonal factors: onset may follow pregnancy or menopause in some women.
• Infections and gut or gum bacteria are being studied as possible triggers.
• Obesity and exposure to silica or dust may add to the risk.

What does not cause RA RA is not caused by cold weather, eating a particular food or "uric acid", and it is not contagious. Cold and damp may make joints feel worse, but they do not cause the disease.

Ayurvedic view (interpretive) Ayurveda describes a condition resembling RA as amavata, linked to undigested metabolic residue (ama) combined with aggravated Vata that settles in the joints. This is a traditional framework and not a proven mechanism, so it should not replace modern diagnosis.

When to see a doctor Joint swelling and morning stiffness lasting more than six weeks need assessment by a doctor, ideally a rheumatologist. Early treatment protects joints.

Remember RA is an immune condition, not a result of anything you did wrong. Early diagnosis makes a big difference.