EMMED

Key facts

• There are over 100 types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

• Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage, which cushions the joints. As the cartilage wears away, bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis often affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine.

• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It can lead to joint deformity and bone erosion. Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the smaller joints, like those in the hands and feet.

• Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, resulting in sudden, severe pain, redness, and swelling. It commonly affects the big toe.

Overview

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

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An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues.

Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.

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The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is what can damage other parts of the body as well. While new types of medications have improved treatment options dramatically, severe rheumatoid arthritis can still cause physical disabilities.

EMMED Clinical Research currently enroll patients in the following clinical research studies: