Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
by Beth G. Hodges, MD

Causes of rheumatoid arthritis are not well understood. There seems to be a genetic predisposition, but not a direct inheritance, meaning a mother with rheumatoid arthritis can pass on the genetic tendency to her daughter, but unless other factors come to play, the daughter will not necessarily develop the disease.

What are these factors? Much of the answer to that is still poorly understood.

• Environmental factors can play a role.
• Sometimes onset of the disease can be triggered by a viral or bacterial illness.
• Stress always can have an effect
• Smoking has been associated with an increased risk of manifesting the disease.

Published - October, 2009