Health WOMEN AND ARTHRITIS Whether its joint inflammation or an autoimmune response, we look at how arthritis affects women differently from men and why I f you or your partner are living with arthritis, you probably know all about the symptoms but you might know less about the actual condition and why it happens. And, interestingly, why women tend to be affected more than men. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs when your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body, resulting in inflammation. Its an autoimmune, systemic disease, causing general malaise, fatigue, fever, weakness and tiredness, and impacts multiple joints at the same time. Osteoarthritis (OA) is also caused by inflammation, but rather than being an autoimmune disease, its more likely the result of injury, poor diet or being overweight. While women are more prone to OA than men, the symptoms are the same, with inflammation leading to joint tenderness, pain and swelling. BY EVE BOGGENPOEL 18 versusarthritis.org PP18-19_Inspire_Summer 2023_Women and Arthritis.indd 18 17/05/2023 12:22