Rheumatoid Arthritis - What Increases Your Risk
The only known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis is a possible inherited factor in some families (genetic predisposition). A genetic factor may affect how the immune system works. It can cause inflammation and eventual destruction of the membranes that line the joints.
Other factors that may increase your risk for rheumatoid arthritis include:
Family Planning and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Although anyone can get rheumatoid arthritis, women with RA outnumber men by three to one. Many women with rheumatoid arthritis are diagnosed in their 20s and 30s, just when marriage and family start to take life's center stage. With pain, fatigue, and medication side effects to consider, there's no question rheumatoid arthritis makes family planning more complicated. But RA doesn't have to put your dreams of having a family out of reach, experts tell WebMD. If you're thinking about starting a family...
Read the Family Planning and Rheumatoid Arthritis article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Rheumatoid Arthritis Topics
How Well Are You Managing RA?
Take the WebMD RA Assessment to get a personalized plan for managing your RA symptoms.
Today in RA
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.