Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Pathophysiology to Management

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition which affects the joints of the wrists, hands, elbows, feet, ankles and knees. It primarily causes the joints to swell. It may also affect other parts of the body. Symptoms tend to appear gradually over a period of weeks to months, as the disease progresses. The development of RA occurs with the activation of autoimmunity in joints and organs where it manifests. The disease starts with a phase of initiation due to non-specific inflammation, followed by a phase of amplification owing to T cell activation, and finally it enters a chronic inflammatory phase in which tissue injury starts to occur. The goal of treatment in RA is the reduction of pain and inflammation, and improvement in the overall functioning of the individual. Steroids, pain medications and NSAIDs are prescribed for the management of symptoms. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the pathophysiology and management of rheumatoid arthritis. It consists of contributions made by international experts. This book is an essential guide for both academicians and those who wish to pursue orthopedics further.