Associated conditions

The risk of developing certain other conditions is higher in people with RA. These include: heart disease, stroke, infections (joint infections and non-joint infections), gut problems, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), and certain cancers.

It is not entirely clear why these conditions develop more commonly in people with RA. One reason is that, on average, people with RA tend to have more 'risk factors' for developing some of these conditions. For example:

• Lack of exercise and high blood pressure are 'risk factors' for developing heart disease and stroke. People with RA may not be able to exercise very easily, and some of the drugs used to treat RA may increase blood pressure.
• Some of the drugs used to treat RA suppress the immune system. This may be a factor for the increased risk of developing infections and certain cancers.
• Poor mobility and steroid drugs increase the risk of developing osteoporosis.
• Some of the drugs that are used to treat RA can upset the lining of the gut. This sometimes causes gut and stomach problems.

Other complications

Other complications which may develop include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome. This is relatively common. It causes pressure on the main nerve going into the hand. This can cause pain, tingling and numbness in parts of the hand. (See separate leaflet called 'Carpal Tunnel Syndrome' for details.)
• Tendon rupture sometimes occurs (particularly the tendons on the back of the fingers).
• Cervical myelopathy. This is an uncommon but serious complication of severe, long-standing RA. It is caused by a 'dislocation' of joints at the top of the spine. This can cause pressure on the spinal cord.

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