At present, it is not completely clear, mainly involving the following aspects: genetic factors, rheumatoid arthritis has a certain genetic tendency. If there is a person with rheumatoid arthritis in the family, the individual’s risk of morbidity will increase. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) -DR4 and other genes have been found to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. These genes may affect the body’s immune system, making it easier to mistakenly attack its own joint tissue. Autoimmune factors, this is the key factor. The body’s immune system is abnormal and produces autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA). These antibodies will attack the synovial tissue of the joint and cause inflammation. Normally, the immune system is able to recognize and defend against foreign pathogens, but in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly regards the synovium of its own joints as a foreign threat, leading to a sustained immune response. For example, the body’s “defense forces” (the immune system) mistake their “own people” (joint synovium) and attack them, leaving the joint synovium in a state of inflammation for a long time. Infection factors: Some viral and bacterial infections may induce rheumatoid arthritis. For example, EB virus infection may change the immune status of the body and activate the autoimmune response. However, infection is not the only cause, it may be based on genetic susceptibility, promote immune system disorders, and eventually lead to disease. Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to cold and wet environment may increase the risk of morbidity. Although cold and wet themselves do not directly cause rheumatoid arthritis, they may aggravate joint symptoms or trigger the onset of the disease. In addition, smoking is also an important environmental risk factor, which can affect the immune system and vascular function, making the disease more likely to occur and aggravate.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients are suitable for some low-intensity exercises with low joint burden. Swimming: Swimming has less pressure on joints, and the buoyancy of water can reduce the load of body weight on joints. Patients can move their limbs freely in the water and exercise their muscle strength. For example, freestyle, backstroke and other postures can exercise many joints of the whole body, including shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle joints. Walking: This is an easy exercise. Patients take a walk on a flat road, and the speed can be adjusted according to their own conditions. It can move the joints of the lower limbs and strengthen the muscles of the legs. Walk for 30-60 minutes each time, 3-5 times a week. Yoga: There are some gentle yoga postures that are suitable for patients, such as cat-cow pose. This action can help move the spinal joints and strengthen the muscles around the spine. There is also downward dog, which can exercise the muscles of arms, shoulders and legs, while moving the wrist, ankle and other joints. However, patients should be careful to avoid hyperextension and torsion of joints. Tai Chi: Tai Chi moves slowly and softly. In the process of playing Tai Chi, patients need to shift their center of gravity and stretch their limbs, which helps to enhance the flexibility of joints and muscle strength. For example, actions such as “wild horse mane” and “white crane wings” are helpful to improve joint function.