Not only do women get more arthritis than men (one in four compared to one in five), but women also often experience worse pain –ache in different joints – and are far more vulnerable to rheumatoid arthritis, one of the most debilitating forms of the condition.

What gender does rheumatoid arthritis affect?

Rheumatoid arthritis tends to strike women at a younger age than men -- and can hit harder, too. In one study, researchers found that women with RA reported more symptoms and more severe ones. Women in the study also didnt do as well when taking the same treatment as men.

Does rheumatoid arthritis affect males and females equally?

Rheumatoid factor was equally prevalent among genders. Men had nodules more often than women. Women had erosions more often than men, but the statistical significance was marginal.

What percentage of RA patients are men?

RA generally starts between the ages of 30 and 60 in women and somewhat later in life in men. The lifetime risk of developing RA for U.S. adults is 3.6 percent for women and 1.7 percent for men . However, RA can present at any age — even small children can develop it.

Who is most affected by rheumatoid arthritis?

RA can begin at any age, but the likelihood increases with age. The onset of RA is highest among adults in their sixties. Sex. New cases of RA are typically two-to-three times higher in women than men.

Can a man get rheumatoid arthritis?

Men are more likely to get RA in middle age than in their golden years. If it happens to you, you might be tempted to tough out the pain, but dont delay seeing a doctor about it.

Is rheumatoid arthritis a big deal?

RA is a very serious autoimmune disease, in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your own bodys tissues and causes severe joint pain, stiffness, severe fatigue, and sometimes deformity, usually in the hands, shoulders, knees, and/or feet. It affects men, women, and children of all ages.