Moderate-to-Severe Rheumatoid Arthritis Can Take Hold of Your Life. Fight Back.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful and potentially disabling autoimmune disease. It affects nearly 400K people in Canada alone. Women are especially at risk, being 3 times more likely than men to develop the condition.
Ordinarily, the immune system keeps us from getting sick by attacking bacteria, viruses, and other germs. With rheumatoid arthritis, it mistakenly goes to battle with the body’s own healthy tissue – i.e., the immune system attacks itself – leading to redness, inflammation, and even disability.
Joint pain and stiffness in the fingers, knees, elbows, feet, wrists, and ankles are the most common RA symptoms, but as the disease progresses, it can cause joint damage and deformities. Complications such as infections, heart problems and lung disease are also possible.
The effects of rheumatoid arthritis aren’t just physical. A recent research study found that around 30% of people with the disease had to stop working within 5 years of diagnosis. Other studies report high levels of depression and anxiety.
There is no cure. We need more and better rheumatoid arthritis therapies. Research can pave the way. You could help.
If you or a loved one is living with rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, see if you qualify for investigational drug studies today. There is no cost to participate.
