The most intriguing fact of rheumatoid arthritis is that the disease causes the body to attack healthy joints and erode them, leading to various health complications as well as permanent disability. Scientists are working to understand the causes but find it to be a complex disease with no definite mechanism which continues to baffle them.

Scientists are focusing on the cellular and molecular levels to discover a cure. There is no specific bacterium that is believed to cause rheumatoid arthritis. But there can be factors that increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. It may be a genetic inheritance, though it is not a proven theory and is thought to play a small role in the condition. This disease is more predominant in women and estrogen has also been considered as a “culprit,” but it has not been proven. Women between the ages of 30 to 60 are at a risk and nearly 70% of those affected has been women. It is noteworthy to add that smokers are at an increased risk of contracting rheumatoid arthritis, and there has been significant evidence for the same. Obesity had been the most common risk factor associated with various chronic conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and about 2/3rd of obese or overweight people may be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Prevention, in this case, is simple lifestyle alterations, which can be significant and beneficial for a long and healthy life. Although it may not be possible to eliminate all the risks, it is certainly possible to alter the potential risk elements. For instance, smoking is considered to be strongly related to rheumatoid arthritis and quitting smoking can be a giant step in prevention. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of a majority of diseases and losing that extra pound can help minimize the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. If one ponders on the root cause of most of the illnesses, overweight or obesity seems to appear as symptoms in nearly everything.

Researchers have found that exposure to certain environmental pollutants in earlier life may be a risk factor. It is advisable to limit exposure to asbestos/and silica whenever possible, though it may not be possible to completely avoid such environmental irritants, wearing protective gear can prevent exposure to a great extent. It is imperative to seek medical attention in case of any symptom and eliminate the possibility of rheumatoid arthritis or diagnose its existence.

True prevention is not guaranteed since scientists don’t still understand the causes and mechanism of rheumatoid arthritis. The potential causes and risk factors have been derived over a general consideration of various possible triggers, with no certain medically proven evidence. However, there is great hope that there will someday be a definitive treatment and positively a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. Considering the fact that this disease affects millions of people in the country and around the world, with the accelerated scientific programs, the cause, prevention, and even cure may soon be a reality!