Continuous inflammation of the synovium slowly destroys the cartilage, narrowing the joint space and eventually damaging bone. The inflammatory process can also occur in other parts of the body. RA can cause anemia and affect the nerves. Scleritis, an inflammation of the blood vessels in the eye can occur. The heart and lungs may also be affected.
Inflammation is a byproduct of the body's immune system, which fights infection and heals injuries.
When an injury or an infection occurs, white blood cells fight to rid the body of any foreign proteins, such as a virus. These masses of blood cells group at the injured or infected site and cause the area to become inflamed. Normally the inflammatory process is controlled and self-limited, but in people with chronic rheumatoid arthritis, something keeps this process going. No one really knows for sure, although theories abound. Scientists have found that certain genes that play a role in the immune system are associated with a tendency to develop rheumatoid arthritis.