Rheumatoid Arthritis - Cause

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not fully understood. Genes play a role, but experts don't know exactly what that role is. For most people with RA, the disease doesn't run in their families and they don't pass it along to their children. One or more genes may make it more likely that the body's immune system will attack the tissues of the joints. This immune response may also be triggered by bacteria, a virus, or some other foreign substance.

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By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: April 14, 2011
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

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