Revealed: the age bracket in which Ireland has the highest rate of rheumatoid arthritis in the world

Painful condition disproportionately affects women at a rate of three to one

Early treatment of the condition is key to its management. Photo: Getty

Lynne Kelleher

A new medical study has shown that the rate of rheumatoid arthritis in Ireland is the highest in the world for people over the age of 60, with women being disproportionately affected.

The chronic autoimmune condition causes painful inflammation in the body, but doctors say early detection can dramatically slow its progression.