Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation in the joints, affecting around 0.24-1% of the population. RA can develop through a variety of paths, resulting in a nonspecific clinical appearance. It progresses from preclinical to chronic disease, with pathogenic mechanisms that may differ across people, confounding therapy efforts. Numerous factors have been found to be associated with RA, including lifestyle-related risk factors like smoking and obesity, which are modifiable, as well as advancing age and female gender, which are nonmodifiable. RA pathophysiology is an intricate interaction between different genetic and immunological variables resulting in disease progression. With a better knowledge of the pathophysiology of RA, new therapeutic approaches are being developed for effective management of RA. This review article summarizes epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic options for RA.