Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than just a joint disease. It is a chronic autoimmune condition that not only causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness but can also affect multiple organs and body systems. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to systemic inflammation that can impact everything from the skin and eyes to the lungs and heart.
This article explains how rheumatoid arthritis affects the body, why early diagnosis matters, and what to do to manage RA holistically.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Joints

RA primarily attacks the synovium, the lining of your joints, leading to:

• Inflammation
  
• Joint pain and stiffness
  
• Cartilage and bone erosion
  
• Loss of joint function
  
• Deformity (if untreated)
  

Joints commonly affected by RA include the hands, wrists, knees, feet, and elbows.
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2. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Bones

Chronic inflammation causes bone loss, contributing to osteoporosis. This means:

• Fragile bones
  
• Increased fracture risk
  
• Bone erosion near affected joints
  

RA patients often face both joint destruction and bone density loss, especially without early intervention.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Muscles

RA-related inflammation can also impact muscle tissue:

• Muscle weakness due to inactivity or inflammation
  
• Muscle atrophy from limited mobility
  
• General fatigue and decreased strength
  

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4. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Skin

About 20% of people with RA develop rheumatoid nodules — firm, painless lumps under the skin, often found:

• Near affected joints
  
• On pressure points (elbows, fingers)
  

These can sometimes become tender or infected, especially in advanced cases.

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Eyes

RA can inflame parts of the eye, causing:

• Dry eyes (most common)
  
• Scleritis – inflammation of the white part of the eye
  
• Corneal damage from prolonged dryness
  
• Redness, irritation, and a gritty feeling
  

6. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Heart / Blood Vessels

People with RA have a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Why?

• Chronic inflammation damages blood vessels
  
• Leads to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup)
  
• Increases risk of heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure
  

7. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lungs

Lung complications are common in RA and may include:

• Interstitial lung disease (scarring and inflammation)
  
• Pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs)
  
• Chronic cough and shortness of breath
  
• Reduced lung function
  

Some RA medications can also contribute to lung toxicity, making respiratory care essential.

8. Rheumatoid Arthritis and Nervous System

RA can affect the central and peripheral nervous system, leading to:

• Cervical spine instability (especially at the neck)
  
• Nerve compression (carpal tunnel syndrome)
  
• Tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hands or feet
  

9. Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Immune System

RA is an autoimmune disease, which means:

• The immune system attacks healthy tissues
  
• It can weaken the body’s ability to fight real infections
  
• Increases vulnerability to colds, flu, or more serious illnesses
  

This makes immune regulation and anti-inflammatory care a top priority in RA treatment.

Managing RA: A Full-Body Approach

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, and managing it requires more than just pain relief. A comprehensive plan should include:

• Early diagnosis through blood tests and imaging
  
• Ayurvedic or modern medications to reduce inflammation
  
• Physical therapy and joint-friendly exercises
  
• Anti-inflammatory diet
  
• Regular eye, heart, and lung checkups
  
• Stress management and adequate sleep
  

In Ayurveda, a customized plan involving detoxification, herbal medicine, diet modifications, and yoga can help reduce inflammation and restore balance.

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FAQ's

Q1: What body systems are affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
RA can affect the joints, bones, muscles, eyes, skin, heart, lungs, nervous system, and immune system.

Q2: Does rheumatoid arthritis affect internal organs?
Yes. RA may impact the heart, lungs, eyes, and even blood vessels, especially if not managed properly.

Q3: Is RA just a joint disease?
No. RA is a systemic autoimmune disorder, which means it affects the whole body.

Q4: What are signs that RA is affecting organs?
Shortness of breath, chest pain, persistent cough, skin lumps, or eye irritation may signal systemic involvement.

Q5: Can Ayurveda treat systemic RA symptoms?
Yes. Ayurvedic therapies focus on reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and balancing internal systems naturally.