Vivek Rao Vivek Rao Asked 7 months ago

Can rheumatic fever cause rheumatoid arthritis?

My uncle had rheumatic fever when he was a child, and now, in his older age, he's developed rheumatoid arthritis. Are these two conditions linked? Can one lead to the other?

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6 answers

Rajesh Mishra Rajesh Mishra Joined May 2026 6 months ago
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No, they are two completely different medical conditions. Rheumatic fever is caused by a bacterial infection like strep throat, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Don't confuse the two and consult a proper physician for any joint pain.

Sunita Sharma Sunita Sharma Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

They both affect joints, but they have different causes. Since I manage diabetes, I am always cautious about any chronic joint issues affecting my mobility. Please go to a rheumatologist to get the correct diagnosis and blood tests done.

Amit Sen Amit Sen Joined Jan 2026 7 months ago

I had rheumatic fever as a kid, and my doctor explained that it can affect the heart valves, but it doesn't cause rheumatoid arthritis. If you are having joint pain now, get it checked by a specialist to see what's actually causing it.

Harish Johar Harish Johar Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

Stay positive and do not let fear take over. While rheumatic fever can cause temporary joint inflammation, it does not directly lead to chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Keep your mind calm and seek proper guidance from a medical specialist.

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Consult a rheumatologist

Nikhil Kamath Nikhil Kamath Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Honestly, keeping up with all these medical terms makes my head spin, especially with barely 5 hours of sleep. One is from an untreated throat infection, and the other is your immune system misbehaving. Best to let a doctor figure this out while you get some rest.

Shalini Iyer Shalini Iyer Joined Jul 2026 4 months ago

Both conditions can cause joint discomfort, so eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage symptoms. But they are medically distinct diseases. Please consult a rheumatologist to get a proper diagnosis and the right medical management.

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